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Callaway County, Missouri

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Fulton, Missouri Hop 4
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Callaway County, Missouri
CountyCallaway County
StateMissouri
Founded year1820
SeatFulton
Largest cityFulton
Area total sq mi847
Area land sq mi839
Area water sq mi7.8
Population as of2020
Population total44,283
Population density sq miauto
Time zoneCentral
Named forJames Callaway
DistrictMissouri's 3rd congressional district

Callaway County, Missouri. Located in the central part of the state, it is part of the Jefferson City metropolitan area. The county was organized in 1820 and named for Captain James Callaway, a frontier military officer. Its county seat and largest city is Fulton, home to several notable institutions including Westminster College and the National Churchill Museum.

History

The area that would become Callaway County was originally inhabited by indigenous peoples, including the Osage. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, American settlers began arriving, with the county officially organized by the Missouri General Assembly in 1820. During the American Civil War, the county was a divided region with both Union and Confederate sympathizers, though it avoided major battles. A notable post-war event was the "Kingdom of Callaway" incident, where local militia resisted Union occupation, leading to a negotiated peace. The 20th century saw significant development with the establishment of the Fulton State Hospital in 1851, one of the first mental health facilities west of the Mississippi River. In 1946, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered his famous "Iron Curtain" speech at Westminster College, an event commemorated by the National Churchill Museum.

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 7.8 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 Cedar Creek. The county lies within the Central Time Zone and is part of the Ozark Highlands ecological region. It is bordered by Montgomery County to the north, Audrain County to the northeast, Boone County to the east, Cole County to the south, and Gasconade County to the west.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 44,283. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of African American, Native American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The population density was about 53 people per square mile. The largest population center is Fulton, with other significant communities including Holts Summit, New Bloomfield, and Auxvasse. Historical data from the United States Census Bureau shows steady growth throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries.

Government

Callaway County operates under a constitutionally mandated County commission form of government, as defined by the Missouri Constitution. The governing body is the Callaway County Commission, composed of three elected commissioners. Other elected officials include the County assessor, County collector, County clerk, and Sheriff. The county is part of the Missouri's 3rd congressional district and is represented in the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate. The county seat of Fulton houses the primary government functions in the Callaway County Courthouse.

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. Education is a major economic driver due to the presence of Westminster College, William Woods University, and the Fulton Public Schools district. Retail and services are concentrated in Fulton and Holts Summit. The National Churchill Museum and related historical sites also contribute to cultural tourism.

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 defining feature, notably Westminster College, a liberal arts college where Winston Churchill spoke, and William Woods University, originally a female seminary. The county is also served by the Callaway County Public Library system with branches in Fulton and other communities. Specialized education is offered at the Missouri School for the Deaf, located in Fulton.

Communities

* Cities: Fulton (county seat), Holts Summit, Auxvasse, New Bloomfield * Villages: Kingdom City, Mokane, Portland, Steedman, Tebbetts * Unincorporated communities: Cedar City, Guthrie, McCredie, Millersburg * Townships: The county is divided into nine townships: Auxvasse, Bourbon, Caldwell, Calwood, Cedar, Cleveland, Cote Sans Dessein, Kingdom City, and Round Prairie.

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