Boone County, Missouri

Boone County, Missouri is a county located in the central part of the United States, specifically in the state of Missouri, and is part of the Columbia, Missouri Metropolitan Area. The county is home to the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College (Missouri), which are all located in the city of Columbia, Missouri. The county is also close to the Mark Twain National Forest and the Lake of the Ozarks, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The county is named after Daniel Boone, a famous American frontiersman and explorer who is also the namesake of Boone, North Carolina and the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Geography

Boone County is located in the central part of Missouri, and is bordered by Audrain County, Missouri to the north, Randolph County, Missouri to the northeast, Howard County, Missouri to the east, Cooper County, Missouri to the south, and Moniteau County, Missouri to the west. The county is drained by the Missouri River and the Perche Creek, and is home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and the Finger Lakes State Park. The county is also close to the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site and the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site, which are both located in nearby Jackson County, Missouri and St. Louis County, Missouri. The geography of the county is also influenced by the Ozark Plateau and the Mississippi River Valley, which are both major geographical features of the region.

History

Boone County was founded on November 16, 1820, and was named after Daniel Boone, a famous American frontiersman and explorer who played a key role in the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. The county was originally settled by European-American pioneers, including German Americans and Irish Americans, who were attracted to the area by its fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The county was also home to several Native American tribes, including the Osage Nation and the Missouri Tribe, who had lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. The county played a significant role in the American Civil War, with several battles and skirmishes taking place in the area, including the Battle of Boonville and the Battle of Centralia. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the Boone County Historical Society Museum and the Columbia Historic District, which are both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Boone County was 183,524, with a population density of 268 people per square mile. The county is home to a diverse population, with a mix of White Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The county is also home to a large student population, with several universities and colleges located in the area, including the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College (Missouri). The county has a high percentage of residents with a Bachelor's degree or higher, with over 50% of residents holding a degree from a university or college, including Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The county is also home to several major employers, including the University of Missouri Health Care and the Columbia Public Schools.

Government

Boone County is governed by a County commission, which is composed of three elected commissioners who serve four-year terms. The county is also home to several other government agencies, including the Boone County Sheriff's Department and the Columbia Police Department. The county is part of the 8th congressional district of Missouri and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver. The county is also part of the Missouri Senate and the Missouri House of Representatives, and is represented by several state legislators, including Senator Roy Blunt and Representative Vicky Hartzler. The county has a strong tradition of civic engagement, with several community organizations and advocacy groups active in the area, including the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Education

Boone County is home to several excellent schools and universities, including the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College (Missouri). The county is also served by the Columbia Public Schools and the Southern Boone County R-I School District, which operate several elementary, middle, and high schools in the area. The county has a high percentage of residents with a Bachelor's degree or higher, with over 50% of residents holding a degree from a university or college, including Yale University, University of California, Berkeley, and Carnegie Mellon University. The county is also home to several libraries, including the Daniel Boone Regional Library and the University of Missouri Libraries, which provide access to a wide range of books, journals, and other resources.

Economy

Boone County has a diverse economy, with a mix of industries including health care, education, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is home to several major employers, including the University of Missouri Health Care and the Columbia Public Schools. The county is also close to several major transportation routes, including Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 63, which provide easy access to other parts of the state and the country. The county has a strong tradition of entrepreneurship, with several small businesses and startups active in the area, including Silicon Valley and Wall Street. The county is also home to several major events and festivals, including the True/False Film Fest and the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival, which attract visitors from all over the world, including New York City and Los Angeles.