About Dixon
A Home Town Place
Welcome to Dixon, Missouri! Dixon was born a railroad town - a boom town, in fact, because of a fortunate meeting of time, place, and need. Its fortune at first depended largely on the Frisco Railroad, which continues to be a strong factor in making this small city a busy trade center today. Although a number of nearby settlements older than Dixon had survived the Civil War period, the first large settlement near the town itself was a camp consisting of about 100 workers who were "working on the railroad" in 1867-1868. Reportedly this camp was located on what is widely remembered now as the Bennett Jones property just west of Dixon, approaching the intersection with Highway 133. Later, the workers moved into town. It's not uncommon to hear a train whistle blow mid-day as the railroad runs through the town.
Founded in 1869, Dixon was surveyed and laid out on both sides of the tracks by Frisco surveyor, Milton Santee, who originally came from Dixon, Illinois. Milton suggested naming the new Missouri city after an Indian trader who had donated the land which became Dixon, Illinois. John Dixon was an interpreter for local Indians and counsel to U.S. Army officers assigned to the southern Illinois area. The Winnebago Indians call Dixon "Nada-chu-ra-sak" due to his long flowing white hair. For many years after Dixon donated the land for the village in Illinois, the Indians passing through the area would stop and visit the elderly gentleman.
This unique City is one that many are proud to call home. Dixon is in the northeast corner of Pulaski County and is one mile south of the Pulaski-Maries county line. The headwaters of the north flowing Maries River are located along the northwest edge of the community. Streams along the south and east sides of the city flow into the Gasconade River, which is approximately five miles to the southeast. The community is served by State Highways 28 and 133. Spread comfortably around the top of a rolling Ozark foothill, Dixon offers a unique blend of modern lifestyles and old-fashioned country living.
Dixon R-I School District is home of the bulldogs operating one elementary school, one middle school and Dixon High School. The Jessie E. McCully Memorial Library is found nestled next to the Dixon Lions Club Park. Located on the north side of town is the beautiful Oak Hills Country Club as well as the Dixon Youth Recreation Association fields. Dixon is home to the Country Mart grocery store and pharmacy, Hometown Pharmacy, a weekly newspaper, a handful of restaurants, and is home base for Gascosage Electric Cooperative.
Dixon residents are fortunate to have the Maries County Bank, the post office, multiple auto repair shops, three gas stations, a floral shop, antique store, two hardware stores, multiple hair salons, a barber and a VFW. Also found in Dixon is a multi purpose venue, the Olde Oak Station, which can be reserved for a multitude of events including family reunions, weddings, parties and receptions.
The Dixon Area Caring Center (DACC) is a wonderful resource that is a thrift store, community room and food pantry. The DACC also has a fitness center next door for health and wellness needs.
Dixon also has a modern 60-bed nursing home, more than 20 churches of all faiths, and several active service clubs and fraternal organizations.
Just outside of city limits on the west side of town is the Dixon Saddle Club. The arena hosts horse and mule shows which provides opportunity for spectators to watch and be entertained.
On November 17, 2014, the City of Dixon was recognized as a Purple Heart City. The Purple Heart City designation is given by the state Military Order of the Purple Heart to cities who honor and recognize the service and sacrifice of our nation’s men and women in uniform, wounded or killed by the enemy while serving to protect our freedoms.
Stop by and visit our "Home Town Place". You're likely to find a plethora of things to enjoy and love.