Quick Find
-- Quick Find --
ADA policy
Boonville Farmer's Market
Business License
citizen comments
city council agenda
DREAM
historic preservation
QuickStart
sites and buildings
social services
tourism
Community Profile
Boonville History
Demographics & Trends
Workforce
Community Resources
Maps
Calendar of Events
Live & Work
Cost of Living
Housing
Education
Health Care
Agriculture
Climate & Environment
New Resident Information
Maps
Local Business Services
Entrepreneurial Resources
Job Training
State & Local Resources
New Business Applications
Economic Development
Quick Facts
Chamber Services
Incentives & Services
Historic Preservation
Taxes
Government
Plan/Zoning Process
Utility Providers
DREAM
Government Services
Contracts
Records (codes)
Minutes/Agendas
Comprehensive Plan
City Budget
City Council
Mayors Office
City Administration
Planning and Zoning
Boards/Commissions
City Departments
Airport
Department Heads
Public Safety
Tourism
Housing Authority
City Cemeteries
Parks & Rec
Public Parks
Public Works
Streets
Sanitation
Water
Drinking Water
Boonville News
Log In
Boonville's History
Boonville has a rich history dating back thousands of years.The original residents, the Native Americans, inhabited the area for 10,000 years. In the early 1800's Daniel Boone’s sons, Nathan and Daniel Morgan, came upon the salt lick in present day Howard County, just across the river. Recognizing the value of salt for pioneers, the Boone brothers settled and opened shop, thus the original Boone’s Lick or Boonslick name. In 1810 widow Hannah Cole and her nine children homesteaded the Boonslick area. The town was formally platted in 1817 and prospered in the late 1820’s. Throughout the 1820’s and 30’s the town was home to river trade and a jumping-off point for the Santa Fe Trail. On February 10, 1839, the city was officially incorporated.
The development of the railroad and the start of the Civil War dramatically changed Boonville. Because of its prime location on the river, Boonville was sought after by both the Confederates and the Union armies. Boonville saw two civil war battles, two occupations and is the intersection of south and north, east and west. Boonville is proud to preserve, celebrate, and recognize all of its history. With over 400 historic properties on the National Register in the city alone, here are a few places not to be missed:
Thespian Hall is the longest continually operated theater west of the Alleghany Mountains. Built in 1855, it served as a hospital and morgue during the Civil War.
The Old Cooper County Jail and Hanging Barn was the longest used jail, from 1848-1979, and is open for tours. It was the location of the last public hanging in Missouri in 1930.
The Sumner School was an African American public school in Boonville and is currently used as a community center by the Concerned Citizens for the Black Community.
The Hain House and Memorial Garden is representative of 1819 architecture and is one of the oldest landmarks in town.
Roslyn Heights is the state headquarters for the Missouri State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. This beautiful home is the last of the Main Street Mansions and was built in 1895. The home is available for tour and hosts special events throughout the year.
For more information about these sites and more, check out the following links:
•
The Missouri State Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution
•
Friends of Historic Boonville
•
National Register of Historic Places