Three States, Missouri facts for kids

Three States was once a small community in Mississippi County, located in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it's considered an extinct town, which means it no longer exists as a populated place. Think of it like a "ghost town" where people used to live and work, but now it's gone.

What Was Three States?

Three States was a small settlement that appeared on maps for a short time. It was located in the southeastern part of Missouri. While it's not a town you can visit today, its history tells us a bit about how communities formed and sometimes disappeared in the past.

Where Was Three States Located?

This former community was found in Mississippi County. This county is in the "Bootheel" region of Missouri, which is the southeastern tip of the state that looks like the heel of a boot. This area is known for its flat land and rich soil, often used for farming.

Why the Name 'Three States'?

The community got its unique name from a business called the Three States Lumber Company. This company was likely a big part of the area's economy when the town was active. Lumber companies cut down trees and process wood, which was a common industry in many parts of the United States during the late 1800s. Another name for the community was "St. James."

The Post Office and Its Short Life

A post office is a very important part of any community. It allows people to send and receive mail, connecting them to the outside world. A post office was opened in Three States in 1893. However, it didn't last very long. It closed its doors just six years later, in 1899. The short life of the post office often tells us that the community itself was also very small and didn't grow much, eventually fading away.