Turnback Creek facts for kids
Turnback Creek is a cool stream located in the beautiful Ozarks region of southwest Missouri. It's a natural waterway that flows through several counties before joining a larger lake. This creek is an important part of the local environment and has a unique story behind its name.
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Where is Turnback Creek?
Turnback Creek starts its journey in western Christian County, not far from the town of Billings. From there, it flows generally north and northwest.
Its Journey Through Missouri
The creek first passes under U.S. Route 60. It then goes through a small part of Greene County. After that, it enters Lawrence County. In Lawrence County, the creek continues its northwest path. It even flows under Interstate 44 near Halltown. Finally, Turnback Creek reaches southeast Dade County. In Dade County, it flows north. It eventually empties into the Sac River arm of Stockton Lake. This happens close to U.S. Route 160, east of Greenfield.
Starting Point and End Point
The very beginning of Turnback Creek, called its source, is found at 37°02′26″N 93°36′23″W / 37.04056°N 93.60639°W. The place where it joins Stockton Lake, known as its confluence, is located at 37°26′46″N 93°45′26″W / 37.44611°N 93.75722°W. These coordinates help us pinpoint its exact start and end points.
How Did Turnback Creek Get Its Name?
The name "Turnback Creek" comes from an interesting event that happened way back in the 1830s. During that time, a group of early settlers, often called pioneers, were traveling through the area. They faced very harsh winter weather conditions. Because of the severe cold and snow, they decided to "turn back." They headed east instead of continuing their journey. This incident gave the creek its memorable name.
What Else Was Here?
In the past, a place called Dilday Mill was located right on Turnback Creek. Mills like Dilday Mill were important in early settlements. They used the power of the flowing water to grind grain into flour. This made them vital for the local community.
