About Diggins

The History of Diggins

The establishment of Diggins dates to 1887, when the community was formally platted and organized. The village derives its name from a railroad official surnamed Diggins, reflecting the significant role that railway development played in Missouri's late 19th-century expansion. Prior to its current designation, the settlement operated under several names, including Cut Throat, Stella, Centerpoint and Linington, indicating the fluid nature of early frontier nomenclature.

The community's postal infrastructure was established in 1886, predating the official village layout by one year. The Diggins post office has maintained continuous operation since its inception, serving as a vital communication link for residents and surrounding rural areas.

Geographic Setting and Location

Diggins occupies a strategic position on the southeastern periphery of the Springfield Plateau, within the broader Ozark Mountain region of south-central Missouri. This geographic placement situates the village within one of Missouri's most distinctive physiographic provinces, characterized by rolling hills, limestone formations, and diverse ecosystems.

The village's location along U.S. Route 60 provides important transportation connectivity, positioning it approximately four miles east of Fordland and four miles west of Seymour. This placement along a major federal highway facilitates commerce and travel throughout the region. Additionally, the headwaters of the James River system originate approximately three miles northeast of the village, placing Diggins within an important watershed area.