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West Plains, MO

Frequently asked questions

West Plains, MO 

West Plains is a city in and the county seat of Howell County, Missouri, United States. The population was 12,184 at the 2020 census.

The history of West Plains can be traced back to 1832 when settler Josiah Howell (after whom Howell County is named) created the first settlement in the region known as Howell Valley. West Plains was so named because the settlement was on a prairie in a westerly direction from the nearest town, Thomasville. The Courthouse Square Historic District, Elledge Arcade Buildings, International Shoe Company Building, Mount Zion Lodge Masonic Temple, W. J. and Ed Smith Building, and West Plains Bank Building are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The location of West Plains led to nearly constant conflict due to the proximity to what was then the border between the Union and Confederacy. West Plains was largely burned to the ground, and Howell County as a whole was devastated. No major battles occurred in West Plains or Howell County, but much of the devastation came from constant guerrilla warfare.

Confederate Brigadier General James Haggin McBride gave residents an ultimatum to either join the Confederate army or flee the area. An overwhelming majority of Howell County residents chose to flee, and over 90% of the population had fled by the time the war was over. Many, however, also chose to fight for the Confederacy, as McBride promised to protect his soldiers' property and loved ones. Men who spoke out against the Confederacy were arrested, as martial law had been declared by McBride.

West Plains is located at 36°44′14″N 91°51′54″W (36.737355, −91.864991). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.33 square miles (34.52 km2), of which 13.31 square miles (34.47 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) is water.

West Plains places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with various facilities and initiatives promoting residents' well-being. The Ozarks Medical Center and Southern Missouri Community Health Center - West Plains offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services, ensuring access to quality medical care for the community. Start your wellness journey with West Plains Parks and Recreation, which organizes fitness classes, sports leagues, and outdoor activities for all ages. Engage in yoga and meditation sessions at Breathe Massage Studio, promoting mental and physical well-being. Participate in wellness workshops and events at Howell County Health Department, focusing on preventive health and lifestyle education. Dive into aquatic fitness classes and swim programs at West Plains Aquatic Center, promoting cardiovascular health and overall fitness.

Top sites in West Plains, MO are North Terra Golf Course, West Plains Country Club, and Harlin Museum.

Population: 12,704 (2024). ZIP code: 65775. Area code: 417. Elevation: 994 ft (303 m). Area: 13.33 square miles (34.52 km2).

FAQs

How did West Plains, MO get its name?

The history of West Plains can be traced back to 1832 when settler Josiah Howell (after whom Howell County is named) created the first settlement in the region known as Howell Valley. West Plains was so named because the settlement was on a prairie in a westerly direction from the nearest town, Thomasville. The Courthouse Square Historic District, Elledge Arcade Buildings, International Shoe Company Building, Mount Zion Lodge Masonic Temple, W. J. and Ed Smith Building, and West Plains Bank Building are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What is West Plains, MO famous for?

Neighboring communities are Bears, Eagles, and Bobcats, but West Plains is famous for being home to the Zizzers, the only ones in the whole country! But what is a Zizzer? It all started in 1907 when the senior class put together an eight-page commemorative booklet for the junior class, presented on Class Day. The juniors loved the idea, so they put together their booklet in 1908. This was the beginning of an annual yearbook tradition at the school. When they presented the book to faculty member Phoebe Davidson, she exclaimed, “What a Zizzer!” a term that is said to have been a colloquialism for lightning or a flash from the sky.

What are the demographics of West Plains, MO?

West Plains is a city located in Douglas County, Howell County, and Oregon County Missouri. West Plains has a 2024 population of 12,864. It is also the county seat of Howell County. West Plains is currently growing at a rate of 1.32% annually and its population has increased by 5.51% since the most recent census, which recorded a population of 12,192 in 2020. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of West Plains was: White: 96.33%, Two or more races: 2.44%, Black or African American: 0.54%, Native American: 0.36%, Asian: 0.33%, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0%, Other race: 0%

Sources

Wikipedia

City of West Plains 

World Population Review

Explore West Plains

North Terra Golf Course

West Plains Country Club

Harlin Museum

Ozarks Medical Center

Southern Missouri Community Health Center - West Plains

West Plains Parks and Recreation

Breathe Massage Studio

Ozark Natural Foods

Howell County Health Department

West Plains Aquatic Center

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