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Kingdom of Callaway

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Article Genealogy
Parent: Fulton, Missouri Hop 4
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Kingdom of Callaway
CountyCallaway County
StateMissouri
Founded1820
Named forCaptain James Callaway
SeatFulton
Largest cityFulton
Area total sq mi839
Area land sq mi839
Area water sq mi0.4
Population as of2020
Population total44,283
Population density sq miauto

Kingdom of Callaway is a popular nickname for Callaway County, Missouri, rooted in a unique local legend of defiance during the American Civil War. The term celebrates the county's perceived act of secession from both the Union and the Confederacy, declaring itself a neutral "kingdom." This storied history is a point of immense local pride, celebrated annually with events like the Kingdom of Callaway Festival and symbolized by the Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society. The county seat is Fulton, home to institutions like Westminster College and the National Churchill Museum.

History

The area was originally part of the Louisiana Purchase and was organized as a county in 1820, named for frontiersman James Callaway. Its defining historical moment came in 1861, when, following the Battle of Boonville and the secessionist Missouri Ordinance, local Home Guard units under Colonel Jefferson Jones purportedly declared the county's neutrality. While the "Kingdom" was never a formal political entity, the legend was cemented when Union Army forces under Colonel John B. Henderson entered Fulton without conflict. The 20th century saw Fulton gain international recognition when Winston Churchill delivered his "Iron Curtain" speech at Westminster College in 1946, leading to the construction of the Churchill Memorial.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 839 square miles, nearly all of which is land. It is situated in the Missouri River valley region, with the river forming its northern border. The landscape features a mix of fertile plains used for agriculture and forested areas, including parts of the Mark Twain National Forest. Major waterways include the Missouri River, Auxvasse Creek, and the Middle River. The county is intersected by major transportation routes like U.S. Route 54 and is located approximately midway between Columbia and Jefferson City.

Government and politics

Callaway County operates under a constitutionally mandated county commission form of government, with administrative offices located in the Callaway County Courthouse in Fulton. Law enforcement is provided by the Callaway County Sheriff's Office, and the county is part of Missouri's 3rd Congressional District. Historically a Democratic stronghold in the German-American tradition, its political alignment has shifted in recent decades, now trending toward the Republican Party in statewide and national elections, as seen in support for figures like Josh Hawley.

Culture and society

The "Kingdom" identity is central to local culture, celebrated with the annual Kingdom of Callaway Festival and Fulton Street Fair. Fulton is a cultural hub, hosting the Courageous Conversations lecture series at Westminster College and being the site of the National Churchill Museum. The county is home to William Woods University and the Fulton State Hospital, one of the oldest mental health facilities west of the Mississippi River. Community life revolves around events at the Callaway County Youth Fairgrounds and support for athletic teams like the Fulton Hornets.

Economy

The economy has historically been anchored by agriculture, with major production of soybeans, corn, and cattle. Manufacturing and industry are significant, with major employers including the Ameren Callaway Energy Center nuclear plant, A. B. Chance Company, and Dyno Nobel. Fulton serves as a retail and healthcare center for the region, with institutions like the Fulton Medical Center. Education also plays a key economic role through Westminster College, William Woods University, and the Missouri School for the Deaf.

Notable people

Notable individuals associated with the county include Union officer and U.S. Senator John B. Henderson, who co-authored the Thirteenth Amendment. Baseball Hall of Famer Charles Comiskey began his professional playing career in Fulton. Musician and radio personality Ramblin' Lou is a native of the county. More recent figures include politician Sam Graves and astronaut Linda M. Godwin, who attended William Woods University.

Category:Callaway County, Missouri Category:Nicknamed counties in the United States