Dexter, city in Stoddard County, Missouri, United States
Dexter is a small city in southeastern Missouri located at the intersection of U.S. Route 60 and Missouri Route 25, situated on Crowley's Ridge. The city contains several established barbecue restaurants, a historic downtown area with local shops, parks with playgrounds, and a public library that offers resources and programs for all ages.
The city was founded in 1873 and named after a horse owned by an early settler, growing rapidly after the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway arrived. An EF2 tornado caused significant damage in 2021, but the city recovered and continues to develop as it has throughout its early history.
The name Dexter comes from a horse owned by an early settler called Mr. Dex, reflecting the town's rural roots. Today barbecue defines local identity, with several family-run restaurants that have preserved recipes for generations and bring the community together through food.
Visitors should know the city sits at the intersection of two main roads, making navigation easy and providing access to various restaurants and shops. The local Welcome Center in the historic downtown and the public library offer helpful information and resources for those exploring the area.
Several barbecue restaurants in the city have kept their original recipes and kitchens since their founding in the 1940s and 1950s, with Dexter Queen and Hickory Log still cooking in their original buildings today. Hickory Log barbecue restaurant even has a helicopter landing pad for visitors flying in to eat.
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