Compton is a historic community in western Webster County, in the U.S. state of Missouri.[1] The post office was located at different locations in the area. One site was located along the bank of the James River along Missouri Route B,[1] but a second location is approximately three-quarters of a mile to the southeast above Compton Branch (a tributary of the James).[2][3] This second location is within or adjacent to the Compton Hollow Conservation Area and about three miles south of Northview.[4] The Compton Limestone geologic formation was named for the community, because the type sections defining the unit were located in the vicinity.[2]
A post office called Compton was established in 1884, and remained in operation until 1906.[5] The community has the name of John Compton, the original owner of the town site.[6]