Barry County

Barry County is a Missouri county located in the Ozark Mountains, bordered by Stone County to the north, Lawrence County to the northeast, Douglas County to the east, Carroll County, Arkansas to the south, and Benton County, Arkansas to the west, with Table Rock Lake and Mark Twain National Forest nearby. The county seat is Cassville, and the largest city is Monett. Barry County is part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Area and is close to Branson, Joplin, and Fayetteville, Arkansas. The county is named after William Taylor Barry, a United States Senator from Kentucky and Postmaster General under President Jackson.

Geography

Barry County is situated in the Ozark Plateau region, with Roaring River State Park and Mark Twain National Forest offering outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and hunting. The county is drained by the White River and its tributaries, including the Roaring River and Flat Creek. The Ozark Mountains cover a significant portion of the county, with the highest point being Roaring River Hills. Nearby cities include Springfield, Branson, and Joplin, as well as Fayetteville, Arkansas and Rogers, Arkansas. The county is also close to Table Rock Lake, a popular destination for boating and water sports.

History

The area that is now Barry County was originally inhabited by the Osage and Cherokee tribes, who were forcibly removed to Indian Territory during the Trail of Tears. The county was organized in 1835 and named after William Taylor Barry, a United States Senator from Kentucky and Postmaster General under President Jackson. During the American Civil War, the county was a stronghold of the Confederate Missouri State Guard, and the Battle of Pea Ridge was fought nearby. The county is also home to the George Washington Carver National Monument, which commemorates the life and work of the famous African American botanist and inventor.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Barry County was 34,255, with a population density of 44 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European American, African American, and Hispanic and Latino American residents. The median household income is around $40,000, and the median home value is around $120,000. Nearby cities include Springfield, Branson, and Joplin, as well as Fayetteville, Arkansas and Rogers, Arkansas. The county is also close to the University of Arkansas, Missouri State University, and Drury University.

Communities

Barry County has several communities, including the county seat of Cassville and the largest city of Monett. Other communities include Purdy, Wheaton, and Exeter. The county is also home to several townships, including Butterfield Township and Cassville Township. Nearby cities include Springfield, Branson, and Joplin, as well as Fayetteville, Arkansas and Rogers, Arkansas. The county is close to the Mark Twain National Forest and Roaring River State Park.

Government

The government of Barry County is headed by a county commission consisting of three members, each representing a different district. The county also has a sheriff and a prosecuting attorney. The county is part of the 7th Congressional District of Missouri and is represented in the Missouri General Assembly by the 158th district of the Missouri House of Representatives and the 29th district of the Missouri Senate. Nearby cities include Springfield, Branson, and Joplin, as well as Fayetteville, Arkansas and Rogers, Arkansas. The county is also close to the University of Arkansas, Missouri State University, and Drury University.

Economy

The economy of Barry County is diverse, with major industries including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is home to several major employers, including Tyson Foods, Schreiber Foods, and Jack Henry & Associates. The county is also a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with attractions such as Table Rock Lake, Mark Twain National Forest, and Roaring River State Park. Nearby cities include Springfield, Branson, and Joplin, as well as Fayetteville, Arkansas and Rogers, Arkansas. The county is close to the University of Arkansas, Missouri State University, and Drury University, and is part of the Springfield, Missouri Metropolitan Area. Category:Missouri counties