Washington Center, Missouri facts for kids

Washington Center is a small, quiet place in the western part of Harrison County, in the state of Missouri in the United States. It's not a city or a town with its own government, but rather what's called an unincorporated community. This means it's a collection of homes and perhaps a few businesses that are part of the larger county, rather than having their own mayor or city council.

This community is easy to find because it sits right where two Missouri roads, Route M and Route D, cross paths. If you travel about 5.5 miles north from the town of Martinsville, you'll arrive at Washington Center. A stream called Big Muddy Creek flows about a mile to the west, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

A Look Back: How Washington Center Got Its Name

Early Days and the Post Office

Washington Center has a bit of history, even if it's a small place today. Back in 1878, a post office was opened there, which was a very important service for people living in rural areas. It was called "Washington Centre," using the older spelling of "center." This post office helped people send and receive letters and packages for many years, but it eventually closed down in 1904.

Why "Washington Center"?

The name "Washington Center" isn't just a random choice. It comes from its location within a larger area called Washington Township. A township is a type of local government division, often used for land surveying and administrative purposes. Because the community of Washington Center is located near the middle, or "center," of Washington Township, it was given this fitting name. It's a simple name that tells you exactly where it is!