Area Information

Before 1869, the area now called Dexter was covered with woodland. There were no roads here, only paths such as Indians make in their native haunts. However, there was a road that led from Cape Road. Bloomfield was the nearest trading town. In 1869, the Cairo, Arkansas and Texas Railroad Company started building a line now known as the "Cat Line." Dex Creek was an area creek named after a Mr. Dex, who owned a farm on its banks. Also near this creek lived a Mr. Webb, who also owned a farm on its banks. He raised a fine racehorse and called him "Dexter" after the creek. This horse, one of the most famous racehorses of its time, won many of his races on the track at St. Luke. The town of Dexter was founded in 1853 and incorporated in 1873.

Dexter offers many attractions that include the Heritage Museum, Heritage House, the Stars and Stripes Museum, the Heritage Depot, Heritage Caboose, the Annual First Baptist Church Christmas Pageant and others. Activities and events in Stoddard County include Eagle Days at Mingo Wildlife Refuge, the 100-Mile Yard Sale, Missouri State Racing Horse Championship, Puxico Homecoming, the Stoddard County Fair, Christmas Cantata, Bloomfield Lions Club Cars in the Park, the Bloomfield Fall Fest and others. Area educational needs are met by Southwest Elementary, Central Elementary, T. S. Hill Middle School and the Senior High. Adult basic education classes and college classes are offered by Southwest Baptist University. Other area public colleges and universities include the Bootheel Education Center, Three Rivers Community College, Southeast Missouri State University and others. Health care needs are served by Missouri Southern Healthcare (formerly Dexter Memorial Hospital), Beverly Health and Rehabilitation Services, Crowley's Ridge Care Center, Cypress Point Nursing Center, Rehm Memorial Clinic, Ferguson Medical Group, Dexter Family Clinic, Dexter Medical Center and more. The Stoddard County area provides recreational opportunities with lakes, fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming pools, parks, tennis courts, racquetball courts, golf courses and country clubs. The Dexter Park and Recreation Department oversees several parks which include West City Park, East City Park, Sugar Plum Park, Boon Park, Bell Park and 2 small areas downtown. The department also manages and maintains the Dexter Fishing Lake, Dexter Sports Complex and the Dexter Aquatic Facility. Lake Wappapello offers something for everyone with activities at the lake including fishing, hunting, swimming, camping, picnicking and more. Lake Wappapello is truly a fisherman's paradise. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel and flathead catfish. The 44,000 plus acres of land and water that make up Lake Wappapello host a variety of upland game species. The wooded hills serve as home to the white-tailed deer, squirrel and turkey, while the many fields and pastures provide good habitat for doves, quail and rabbit. The lake also hosts numerous populations of ducks and geese during the fall and winter months. Other recreational facilities include the National Holly Preserve, Otter Slough, Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Clearwater Lake, and the Mississipi, Black and St. Francis rivers. Hidden Trails Country Club is a beautiful 18-hole USGA golf course. Come visit our United Country office soon and share with us what you're looking for in life. We can show you a wide range of real estate opportunities and help you fulfill your dreams.

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