Pomona, MO, traces its beginnings to the late 1800s as a railroad stop along the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway, which shaped how settlement and commerce developed around the tracks. The community took its name from the Roman goddess of fruit trees, reflecting the orchards and agricultural production that once defined much of the surrounding countryside. Farming, timber work, and rail access supported steady growth. Today, the population sits just over 240 residents, and the area remains closely tied to land use and agriculture.

History unfolds alongside constant activity on the grounds. Little Talladega Mansion, built in 1908 for lumber baron John A. Hays, stands as one of the area’s most distinctive historic properties, originally designed as a private estate with formal architecture, detailed interior woodwork, and landscaped surroundings. Today, the mansion operates as a short-term rental that blends its early twentieth-century character with extensive on-site recreation. Overnight guests have access to gas go-karts, a free-play arcade and lounge, guided ATV trail rides, a stocked fishing pond, and more.

Outdoor fun continues at the Dean Davis Conservation Area, 170 acres of wooded land used for walking, wildlife observation, and quiet recreation, with a loop trail that sees steady use across seasons. Open fields and tree cover support deer, turkey, and upland birds that are commonly visible from the trail. Water pulls attention during warmer months. The Eleven Point River, designated as a National Scenic Riverway, draws anglers, canoeists, and kayakers for float trips, fishing, and day use tied to clear water and steady current. Access points along the river support short outings as well as longer floats, making it a repeat destination.

Workdays follow the auction calendar and production schedules. Sexton Auctioneers LLC operates as a regional auction firm handling estate sales, farm equipment, real property, and on-site auctions that draw bidders from across southern Missouri. West Plains Electric Controls and Automation supports industrial and commercial operations through electrical control systems, automation services, and custom panel work, giving the area a technical services presence tied to manufacturing and infrastructure.

Meals usually involve a short drive for variety. Los Amigos serves Mexican plates built around fajitas, enchiladas, and combination dinners that make it a common sit-down choice during the week. Wages Brewing Company pairs house-brewed beers with burgers, sandwiches, and rotating specials that draw evening traffic tied to food as much as to routine social stops. Colton’s Steak House & Grill remains a steady option for steaks, ribs, and comfort sides, especially for family dinners and weekend meals.

Seasonal activity is mainly agricultural related. The Howell County Fairgrounds in nearby West Plains host livestock shows, exhibitions, and seasonal events that many residents attend annually, reinforcing connections to farming and rural life. Produce stands, farm sales, and harvest-related traffic increase in late summer and fall, continuing traditions tied to fruit and field crops that gave the community its name.

Seasonal shifts also bring animals closer to structures as temperatures change and food sources move. At Critters Gone Urban, we work with homeowners in Pomona to locate entry points, remove wildlife humanely, and secure buildings before nesting, breeding, or cold weather increase activity. If sounds, damage, or signs have started appearing in attics, crawlspaces, sheds, or along rooflines, contact Critters Gone Urban for more information.