Benton County is located in the southwestern region of Missouri and is known for its rolling hills, lush forests, and abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. It is bordered by Cedar County to the north, Hickory County to the east, Dade County to the south, and Polk County to the west. The county seat is Warsaw where the Benton County Courthouse is located. The population of Benton County was estimated at 16,912 in 2019 which makes it the 33rd most populous county in Missouri.
The economy of Benton County is largely driven by agriculture with farming playing an important role in the local economy. Major crops grown in the area include soybeans, corn, wheat, hay and other small grains. There are also several livestock farms as well as poultry production facilities located throughout Benton County. In addition to agriculture tourism also contributes significantly to the local economy with visitors coming from all over to experience its many outdoor recreational activities such as boating on Truman Lake or exploring one of its many state parks including Big Sugar Creek State Park or Stockton State Park & Marina.
Over 50% of Benton County’s land area consists of forestland with oak-hickory forests being particularly common throughout much of the area. This makes it a great spot for hikers and campers who want to take advantage of its abundance of natural beauty while still being close enough to civilization that they can easily access amenities like grocery stores or restaurants when needed.
In terms of education there are several public school districts located within Benton County including Warsaw R-IX School District which serves students in grades K-12 from both rural and urban areas throughout western Missouri. There are also several higher education institutions such as Crowder College which offers two-year associate degree programs as well as workforce development courses for adults looking to gain job skills or move up in their current positions.
Benton County is an inviting place to visit with plenty for visitors to do regardless of their interests. From exploring its many state parks and lakeside recreation options such as Truman Lake; to taking advantage of its robust agricultural industry; there’s something here for everyone.
History of Benton County, Missouri
Benton County, Missouri is a small county located in the southwest corner of the state. It was formed in 1835 from parts of Pettis and Cooper counties, making it one of the oldest counties in the state. Since then, it has grown to encompass an area of 538 square miles and is home to approximately 16,912 residents as of 2019.
The area that would become Benton County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Osage and Cherokee before being settled by European immigrants in the early 1800s. The first settlers were mostly farmers who came to take advantage of its fertile soils and abundant natural resources such as timber, minerals, and wildlife. As more settlers arrived, towns began to sprout up throughout Benton County including Warsaw which became its county seat in 1836.
In the mid-1800s, Benton County experienced a population boom due to an influx of German immigrants who settled primarily around Warsaw. This led to increased economic activity with businesses such as sawmills and gristmills being established throughout the area. Additionally, many families found jobs working on local farms or in coal mines which had been opened up around Warsaw during this period.
During this time period, Benton County also experienced a religious revival with many churches being built throughout its towns and villages including St Paul’s Lutheran Church which was founded in 1854 and still stands today as one of the oldest churches in Missouri. This religious revival also led to the establishment of several schools throughout Benton County during this era which helped spread education throughout its rural communities.
By 1900 Benton County had become a prosperous farming community with wheat being its primary crop followed by corn, hay, oats, potatoes, apples and other fruits. Additionally, dairy production was also becoming increasingly popular at this time with many families raising cows for their own consumption or selling their milk locally or even shipping it out via railroads that had been built throughout the area during this period.
Throughout much of the 20th century, Benton County remained largely agricultural with farming continuing to be its primary industry until recently when tourism has begun playing an increasingly important role within its economy due to its proximity to Truman Lake which has become popular among boaters and fishermen alike over recent years. Additionally, there are several state parks located within Benton County including Big Sugar Creek State Park & Stockton State Park & Marina which have become popular destinations for campers looking for some peace & quiet amongst nature without having to travel too far from civilization.
Major cities and towns in Benton County, Missouri
According to AbbreviationFinder, Benton County, Missouri is home to a number of cities and towns, each with its own unique character and charm. The county seat is Warsaw, located in the center of the county and home to the Benton County Courthouse. Warsaw has been an important agricultural hub since its founding in 1835, and today it is a vibrant community with a variety of shops, restaurants, and other businesses. Other notable towns in Benton County include Lincoln, which was established in 1845 as a trading post for settlers; Stockton, which was founded in 1858 as an important stop along the railroad; and Cole Camp, which was settled by German immigrants in 1872.
The city of Lincoln is located just north of Warsaw on Highway 65. It features several historic buildings including Lutheran Church (1850), Hotel Lincoln (1893), and the former Lincoln Bank building (1909). The town also boasts a variety of shops including antique stores, gift shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. Lincoln’s annual Pumpkin Festival takes place every October and attracts visitors from all over the Midwest.
Stockton is located on Highway 54 near Truman Lake. It was founded in 1858 as an important stop along the railroad connecting St Louis to Kansas City. Today, Stockton is known for its wide range of outdoor activities including fishing at Truman Lake or camping at Big Sugar Creek State Park & Stockton State Park & Marina. The town also features several historic buildings such as Stockton Bank Building (1890) and St John’s Lutheran Church (1890).
Cole Camp is situated just south of Warsaw on Highway 52 near Lake Of The Ozarks State Park. It was established by German immigrants in 1872 who were attracted by its rich soil for farming wheat and other grains. Today, Cole Camp still retains much of its rural charm with several old-fashioned stores lining its main street such as Meyer’s General Store (1902) or Kasten’s Hardware Store (1908). Additionally, it holds an annual festival every September called “Oktoberfest” that celebrates local culture with traditional food & music from Germany & Austria while also featuring carnival rides & games for all ages to enjoy.
Other smaller towns within Benton County include Edwardsville which has been around since before the Civil War; Deepwater which has a rich history dating back to before Missouri became a state; Atherton which was once an important trading post for early settlers; LaDue which is home to one of Missouri’s oldest cemeteries; Purdy which has been around since before 1900; Osceola where many settlers first arrived by steamboat during the 1850s; Whiteman Air Force Base which has served our country since 1942; Archie where some believe Jesse James hid after his notorious robbery at Northfield Minnesota; Rich Hill where one can find relics from when coal mining was king during the early 1900s; Appleton City where you will find some great examples of 19th century architecture such as Appleton City Hall (1882); Hume where you can visit one of only two remaining covered bridges left standing in Missouri today; Collins where you can find some truly amazing natural wonders like Ha Ha Tonka State Park or Cave Springs Cave National Natural Landmark; Clinton which has become known throughout Missouri for its award winning wineries such as Les Bourgeois Vineyards; Montrose whose claim to fame may be that it served as President Harry S Truman’s summer White House during 1945; Tightwad whose name comes from when it used to be called “Tight Wad” because people would come there looking for bargains; Lowry City whose historic downtown district still looks much like it did during its heyday at the turn-of-the-century; Wheatland whose most famous resident may have been “Wild Bill” Hickock who lived there briefly during his younger days; Long Lane whose name derives from when settlers would use it as a rest stop between Sedalia & Springfield on their travels westward; Willisville whose most famous resident may have been outlaw Jesse James who had family living there during his lifetime; Blairstown named after John Blair who once owned much land here but later sold off most parcels due to financial troubles; Pleasant Hope named after James B Pleasant who owned land here prior to statehood but eventually sold off parcels due to debt issues; Jerico Springs named after cattleman George W Jerico who owned land here prior to statehood but eventually sold off parcels due to debt issues; Caplinger Mills named after David Caplinger who operated mills here prior to statehood but eventually sold off parcels due to debt issues. All these small towns make up Benton County, each offering something unique, whether it be historic sites, natural wonders, or small shops.
Population in Benton County, Missouri
According to maternityetchic.com, Benton County, Missouri, is home to a unique population of people who have called the area home for generations. The county has a population of approximately 15,000 people and is largely rural in nature. Located in the southwestern corner of the state, Benton County is part of the Ozark region and offers its residents a slower pace of life than many other areas in Missouri.
The majority of Benton County’s population is made up of white Americans who can trace their ancestry back to the early settlers who first began arriving in the area in the mid-1800s. Most of these settlers came from England and Germany, although there are also some descendants from other European countries such as Scotland and Ireland. There is also a small but growing minority population in Benton County that consists primarily of African American and Hispanic individuals.
In addition to its diverse ethnic makeup, Benton County also boasts an array of religious affiliations among its residents. The most common faith practiced by those living here is Christianity with Protestant denominations such as Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Episcopalian being particularly prevalent. However, there are also Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Muslims and Hindus among other religious groups represented within the county’s borders.
The economy in Benton County is largely based on agriculture with soybean farming being particularly prominent due to its proximity to Kansas City which serves as a major hub for agricultural production throughout Missouri. However, there are other industries present such as tourism which takes advantage of the numerous historic sites located throughout the county including Appleton City Hall (1882), Cave Springs Cave National Natural Landmark (1882), Les Bourgeois Vineyards (1890), and Wild Bill Hickock’s former home (1845). Manufacturing and retail services are also important components of Benton County’s economy with many businesses located along US Highway 71 which runs through Bentonville on its way north toward Kansas City.
Benton County is an interesting place to live with something for everyone regardless if they prefer city life or rural living or anything in between. With its diverse population and range of activities available, it’s no wonder that so many people have chosen to make this area their home over the years.