Callaway County

Callaway County
County	Callaway County
State	Missouri
Founded	1820
Seat	Fulton
Largest city	Fulton
Area total sq mi	847
Area land sq mi	839
Area water sq mi	8.0
Population as of	2020
Population total	44,283
Population density sq mi	auto
Time zone	Central
Named for	James Callaway
District	Missouri's 3rd congressional district

Callaway County. Callaway County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Missouri. As of the 2020 United States census, its population was 44,283. The county seat and largest city is Fulton, which is also home to several notable institutions. The county was organized in 1820 and named for Captain James Callaway, a pioneer and Missouri Ranger killed in action.

History

The area was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Osage Nation. European-American settlement increased following the Louisiana Purchase and the subsequent organization of the Missouri Territory. The county was officially organized on November 25, 1820, from parts of Montgomery, Boone, and Howard counties. During the American Civil War, the county's divided loyalties led to its informal declaration as the "Kingdom of Callaway" by local Colonel Jefferson F. Jones, who negotiated a stand-off with Union Army forces to prevent conflict. Key historical sites include the Fulton State Hospital, the first state mental institution west of the Mississippi River, and the National Churchill Museum located on the campus of Westminster College, which commemorates Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain" speech delivered there in 1946.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 847 square miles, of which 839 square miles is land and 8.0 square miles is water. The landscape is characterized by rolling plains and river valleys, with the Missouri River forming its northern border. Major waterways include the Missouri River, Auxvasse Creek, and the Middle River. The county lies within the Central Missouri region and features several conservation areas managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, such as the Whetstone Creek Conservation Area. The terrain is part of the Dissected Till Plains region of the Central United States.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 44,283 people residing in the county. The United States Census Bureau reports the population density was approximately 53 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The largest ancestry groups reported include German Americans, Irish Americans, and English Americans. The median household income was slightly below the state average, with a small percentage of the population living below the poverty line. Population centers are concentrated in Fulton and smaller towns like Holts Summit and Auxvasse.

Government

Callaway County operates under a constitutionally mandated County commission form of government, with three elected commissioners presiding over the County commission. Other elected officials include the County clerk, Sheriff, Assessor, Collector, and Prosecuting attorney. The county is part of the Missouri's 3rd congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by Blaine Luetkemeyer. At the state level, it lies within Missouri's 6th Senate district and is split between two Missouri House of Representatives districts. The County courthouse is located in Fulton.

Economy

The economy has historically been based on agriculture, with major products including soybeans, corn, and cattle. Manufacturing and healthcare are significant sectors, with employers like A.B. Chance Company, Dana Incorporated, and the Fulton State Hospital providing numerous jobs. The presence of Westminster College and William Woods University contributes to the education and service sectors. Retail and logistics are supported by the county's proximity to Interstate 70 and the Columbia, Missouri metropolitan area. The Kingdom of Callaway Chamber of Commerce actively promotes local business development.

Education

Public education is provided by several school districts, including the Fulton Public Schools, North Callaway County R-I School District, and South Callaway County R-II School District. Higher education institutions are a hallmark, with Westminster College, a private liberal arts college, and William Woods University, a private university, both located in Fulton. These institutions are known for programs in equestrian studies, education, and business. The county is also served by the Daniel Boone Regional Library system. The Fulton School District operates the Fulton High School.

Transportation

Major highways serving the county include Interstate 70, which runs east-west, and U.S. Route 54, which runs north-south. Other significant routes are Missouri Route 94 and Missouri Supplemental Route J. There are no major commercial airports within the county; the nearest is the Columbia Regional Airport. Rail service is provided by the Norfolk Southern Railway through its Mexico Subdivision. Public transportation is limited, with some services offered by the Callaway County Public Transportation system. The Missouri River is not currently a major commercial transportation route.

Category:Callaway County, Missouri Category:1820 establishments in Missouri Category:Missouri counties