West Aurora, Missouri facts for kids
West Aurora is a small, unincorporated community located in Miller County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. It's a place that doesn't have its own local government, like a city or town, but is still a recognized area where people live.
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What is an Unincorporated Community?
An unincorporated community is a group of homes and sometimes businesses that are not part of an official city or town. This means they don't have their own mayor or city council. Instead, they are usually governed by the county they are in. For West Aurora, that's Miller County.
How These Communities Work
- County Rules: The county government handles things like roads, police, and fire services for unincorporated areas.
- No City Taxes: People living in these areas usually don't pay city taxes, only county and state taxes.
- Local Feel: Even without a city government, these communities often have a strong local identity and friendly neighbors.
The Story Behind West Aurora's Name
West Aurora was officially planned and marked out in 1882. This process is called "platting." When a place is platted, it means someone creates a map showing where streets, lots, and public areas will be.
Why "West Aurora"?
The community was named "West Aurora" because of its location. It lies to the west of another nearby place called Aurora Springs. It's common for places to be named after their direction relative to a bigger or older settlement.
Where is West Aurora Located?
West Aurora is found in Miller County, which is in the central part of the state of Missouri. Missouri is a state in the Midwestern United States, known for its rivers, forests, and farmlands.
Miller County at a Glance
Miller County is named after John Miller, an early governor of Missouri. It's a place with a mix of rural areas and small towns. The county seat, which is like the main administrative town, is Tuscumbia. People in Miller County enjoy outdoor activities and a quieter way of life.
