Howell County, County in southern Missouri, United States
Howell County is an administrative region in southern Missouri covering approximately 928 square miles with West Plains serving as its main hub. The territory features the Mark Twain National Forest and hilly terrain interspersed with several smaller towns distributed across the landscape.
The region was established in 1857 from Oregon County and named after Josiah Howell, who created the first settlement in Howell Valley. These early foundations shaped how the towns developed and grew over the following decades.
The area reflects its roots in rural traditions and outdoor living. You can see how communities maintain their connection to the land through everyday use of natural spaces and local gathering spots.
The area is connected by several major routes including U.S. Routes 60, 63, and 160 that link to larger cities and neighboring regions. This road network makes it easy to explore different parts of the county and reach nearby attractions.
The region contains four independent cities - West Plains, Mountain View, Willow Springs, and Brandsville - each operating their own local government and services. This scattered arrangement means each town keeps its own identity rather than functioning as a single combined community.
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