Buffalo, MO

County: Dallas

History

Buffalo, Missouri

Buffalo, Missouri, located in Dallas County, has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware tribes. However, in the early 1800s, European settlers arrived in the area, leading to the establishment of Buffalo as a town.

The town of Buffalo was founded in 1833 by William Hensley and D.M. Street, who constructed a log building that served as a store and post office. Initially, the town was named Dallas after George M. Dallas, the Vice President under James K. Polk. However, to avoid confusion with nearby Dallas County, the town's name was later changed to Buffalo.

Buffalo expanded rapidly during the mid-1800s due to its location on the Osage Trace, a major trading route. The town served as a supply center for travelers, pioneers, and traders moving westward. Buffalo became a hub for commerce, with various businesses establishing themselves, including general stores, mills, blacksmith shops, and hotels.

In the late 1800s, Buffalo experienced further growth with the arrival of the railroad. The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway, also known as the Frisco Line, extended its tracks to Buffalo in 1871, connecting the town to larger cities and facilitating trade and transportation.

Throughout the years, Buffalo has faced various challenges, including devastating fires that destroyed several buildings. However, the town was always resilient and managed to rebuild and maintain its status as a prominent community in Dallas County.

Today, Buffalo continues to thrive as a small-town community. It has preserved much of its historical buildings, including the Buffalo Community Building, which was built in 1936 as part of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project. The town also hosts annual events such as the Buffalo Daze Festival, which celebrates its history and brings the community together.

Overall, Buffalo, Missouri, has a fascinating history that reflects the resilience and spirit of its early settlers. It has evolved from a trading outpost to a thriving community that cherishes its past while embracing the present.

Attractions

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

A popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and camping.

Bennett Spring State Park

Known for its trout fishing, with miles of trails, cabins, and campsites.

Buffalo National River

A beautiful river with opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and canoeing.

Prairie State Park

Home to the largest remaining tallgrass prairie in Missouri, offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing.

Pomme de Terre Lake

A scenic lake that offers boating, fishing, swimming, and camping facilities.

Big Buffalo Creek Conservation Area

A nature reserve with hiking trails, wildlife observation, and picnic areas.

Dallas County Museum

A small local museum that showcases the history and culture of the region.

Canoeing and kayaking on the Niangua River

The river is surrounded by picturesque scenery and provides a great opportunity for outdoor water activities.

Bennett Spring Hatchery

A trout hatchery that offers tours and educational programs.

Cross Timbers Conservation Area

A large area of woodland with hiking trails and wildlife observation opportunities.

Climate

Buffalo, Missouri experiences a humid subtropical climate. The summers in Buffalo are hot and humid, with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 29-33 degrees Celsius). July is typically the warmest month, with highs reaching the low 90s (around 32-34 degrees Celsius).

The winters in Buffalo can be cold, with average high temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (around 4-9 degrees Celsius). January is often the coldest month, with highs reaching the mid-30s (around 1-3 degrees Celsius).

Buffalo receives moderate precipitation throughout the year, with an average yearly rainfall of around 44 inches (1,118 mm). The wettest months tend to be in the spring and early summer, while fall is generally drier. Snowfall is also common in Buffalo during the winter months, with an average of around 16 inches (41 cm) per year.

Overall, Buffalo, Missouri experiences fairly mild temperatures throughout the year, with hot summers and cold winters. It is important to note that climate patterns can vary, and these are average conditions that may change from year to year.

Neighborhoods

Buffalo, Missouri is a small city located in Dallas County, in the southwestern part of the state. While the city itself may not be divided into distinct neighborhoods, it does have various areas that are worth noting. Here are a few notable areas in and around Buffalo:

Downtown Buffalo

The heart of the city where you will find the majority of businesses, shops, and restaurants. It's a charming area with local boutiques and historical buildings.

Buffalo Lake Area

Located near the eastern border of Buffalo, this area is popular for outdoor enthusiasts. Buffalo Lake offers fishing, boating, and camping opportunities, making it a great area for nature lovers.

Country Living

The outskirts of Buffalo are primarily rural, offering a more peaceful, countryside lifestyle. Many residents live in the surrounding farms and ranches where they can enjoy larger plots of land and a slower pace of life.

Buffalo Industrial Park

Situated on the southern edge of Buffalo, the industrial park accommodates various businesses, including manufacturing, technology, and distribution companies. This area provides employment opportunities to local residents.

Buffalo Heights

This residential area is located north of downtown Buffalo, featuring a mix of single-family homes and apartments. It's a quiet and family-friendly neighborhood with access to schools, parks, and other community facilities.

Lake Pomme de Terre Area

While not directly within Buffalo, the nearby Lake Pomme de Terre attracts many residents and visitors. The lake offers recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, and hiking, making it a desirable area for those interested in lakefront living.

Buffalo is a close-knit community where residents often share a strong sense of community and friendliness. While it may not have official neighborhoods like larger cities, the different areas around Buffalo offer a diverse range of living experiences and recreational opportunities.

Nearby Cities