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Howard County, Missouri

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Howard County, Missouri
CountyHoward County
StateMissouri
Founded year1816
SeatFayette
Largest cityFayette
Area total sq mi472
Area land sq mi466
Area water sq mi5.8
Population as of2020
Population total10151
Population density sq miauto
Time zoneCentral
Named forBenjamin Howard
District4th

Howard County, Missouri. Located in the central part of the state, it is one of the oldest counties in Missouri, organized in 1816 from portions of the former Howard Territory. The county is part of the Columbia metropolitan area and is known for its rich agricultural heritage and significant historical role in the early settlement of the region. The county seat is Fayette, which serves as the primary cultural and governmental center.

History

The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Missouria and Osage. European exploration began with French trappers and traders navigating the Missouri River. Following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, American settlement increased, and the county was officially organized in 1816, named for Benjamin Howard, the first Governor of Missouri Territory. It was a major destination during the early westward expansion, with the Boonslick region being a prominent settlement area. Howard County was the parent county for much of central and western Missouri, with many settlers moving on from here during the California Gold Rush. The Battle of Moore's Mill, a significant engagement during the American Civil War, occurred near Kingdom City in 1862. The county was also an early center for education, being the original location of the University of Missouri before it relocated to Columbia.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 472 square miles, of which 466 square miles is land and 5.8 square miles is water. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, fertile river valleys, and prairie land. Major waterways include the Missouri River, which forms its southern border, and the Grand River. The county lies within the Central Missouri region and features several conservation areas, including the adjacent Grand River Grasslands. It is bordered by Chariton County to the north, Randolph County to the east, Boone County to the south, and Cooper County to the west. The Katy Trail State Park, a popular recreational trail, runs along the southern edge of the county following the former route of the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population was 10,151. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of Black or African American, American Indian, and Asian residents. The population density was about 22 people per square mile. The largest ancestry groups reported include German, English, Irish, and American. The median household income was below the state average, and a portion of the population lived below the poverty line. The county has experienced gradual population decline since the mid-20th century, consistent with many rural counties in the Midwestern United States.

Government

The county operates under a county commission form of government, with three elected commissioners. All elected offices are located at the Howard County Courthouse in Fayette. At the federal level, the county is part of Missouri's 4th congressional district, represented in the United States House of Representatives by members such as Ike Skelton and later Vicky Hartzler. The county votes predominantly for the Republican Party in presidential and statewide elections. Law enforcement is provided by the Howard County Sheriff's Department, and the county is within the jurisdiction of the 43rd Judicial Circuit of Missouri.

Economy

The economy is historically and primarily based on agriculture. Major products include soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef cattle. Agribusiness firms and cooperatives are significant employers. Manufacturing also plays a role, with facilities producing items like prefabricated homes and agricultural machinery. Cargill operates a large grain elevator facility along the Missouri River. Tourism related to historical sites, the Katy Trail State Park, and outdoor recreation provides supplementary income. The county has a lower cost of living compared to the national average, but economic growth has been modest.

Education

Public education is provided by two main school districts: the Fayette R-III School District and the New Franklin R-I School District. Higher education institutions are not located within the county, but residents have access to the University of Missouri in Columbia, William Woods University in Fulton, and Central Methodist University in Fayette. The county is part of the Moberly Area Community College district. Early educational history is notable, as the county was the original site for the state university, with the first classes held in 1841 in Columbia after relocation from its initial planned location.

Communities

* Cities: Fayette (county seat), Glasgow (partly in Chariton County), New Franklin. * Villages: Armstrong, Franklin. * Unincorporated communities: Estill, Fayette Junction, Roanoke. * Census-designated place: None. * Townships: The county is divided into twelve townships: Bonnots Mill, Boonville, Burr Oak, Chariton, Franklin, Moniteau, Prairie, Richmond, Rocheport, and Singleton.

Category:Howard County, Missouri Category:1816 establishments in Missouri Category:Missouri counties