Fort Branch (Missouri)

Fort Branch was a community in Holt County, Missouri, located approximately four miles west of Oregon, the county seat. It existed primarily during the mid-19th century. The settlement was named for a small, earthen fortification built during the Platte Purchase period to protect settlers from potential conflicts with Native American tribes. This fort was more of a blockhouse or fortified home than a formal military installation.

While never a large town, Fort Branch served as a local trading center for farmers in the surrounding agricultural area. It supported a general store and other small businesses catering to the needs of the community. The community's prominence diminished with the growth of larger towns like Oregon and Forest City, as well as the development of railroad transportation that bypassed Fort Branch.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fort Branch ceased to exist as a distinct community. Today, no identifiable structures remain at the former location, and the area is predominantly agricultural land. Historical maps and county records provide the main evidence of its past existence.