DOWN THE ROAD AGAIN
Curiosity is peaking and a road trip in the works for Sunday, where to – Kingston, Missouri. This little community is the county seat of Caldwell County Missouri. It seems to be almost a ghost town, but the county courthouse is still standing and functioning as the center of county government. Surely there has to be some tourist draw in this quaint little area. There are 287 residents in this small rural town, according the sign. So I am off to find out why people would be interested in this community as a tourist stop.
The history of this county is vast. Everything from Native Americans, civil war ties, and Mormon history comes out of this county. While there were not any “battles” here during the Civil War, there were famous skirmishes. Also during the Mormon War, fighting was fierce among the opposing sides in this county. This should be something that would draw history buffs to visit.
Kingston is the oldest city in Caldwell County, Missouri, becoming the county seat in or around 1843. The city is named for Judge King, a popular circuit judge in Richmond at that time, and later he became the governor of the state.
The courthouse that stands there today was built in 1898. The cornerstone was laid on September 2, 1898. It was completed on December 1, 1898 at the cost of $24,827. The building is still being used today for the county offices, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a beautiful building and looks as if it should be surrounded by a bustling town square. However, that is not the case.
The present courthouse is the 4th courthouse to be built in Caldwell County. Kingston was not the original county seat, but won its challenge against Hamilton to become the county seat of Caldwell County when Far West was dissolved, and is still the headquarters of the county.
My curiosity was peaked when we got to Kingston. I was extremely curious about the former county seat of Far West. So we followed the signs to what once was Far West. There is a lot of history in this area with the Mormons. The town no longer stands, but there is a beautiful monument and picnic area where Far West once stood. Well worth a drive to see…even if you are of another faith. History crossed all barriers and religions…it is the history of our country.
Although I am not a historian, I will try to provide a little background about the creation of Caldwell County. It was created in December 1836 by the Missouri General Assembly and to be dedicated to Mormon settlers. At that time the county seat was a town called Far West. Mormons who were being driven out of Jackson County gathered in Caldwell County. There was a lot of friction between the non-Mormons and the Mormons. The Mormons were run out of this area when Joseph Smith was arrested. Far West was left to fade away.
My suggestion to you if you want to know more about this intriguing area’s history do some research and then take a road trip to see it for yourself. There is a lot available online, so push ahead and look it up. Then go see it!! Step out of the box of comfort. Experience Missouri!!!!!! Experience history!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
COUNTY COURTHOUSE - Kingston, Missouri
DOWN THE ROAD AGAIN - Sunday, February 5, 2012
"History is not another name for the past, as many people imply. It is the name for stories about the past." ~ A J P Taylor
Curiosity is peaking and a road trip in the works for Sunday, where to – Kingston, Missouri. This little community is the county seat of Caldwell County Missouri.
It seems to be almost a ghost town, but the county courthouse is still standing and functioning as the center of county government. Surely has to be some tourist draw in this quaint little town. There are 287 residents in this small rural town, according the sign as you enter the location. So I am off to find out why people would be interested in this community.
The courthouse that stands there today was built in 1898. The cornerstone was laid on September 2, 1898. It was completed on December 1, 1898 at the cost of $24,827. The building is still being used today for the county offices, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The present courthouse is the 4th courthouse to be built in Caldwell County. Kingston was not the original county seat, but won its challenge against Hamilton to become the county seat of Caldwell County when Far West was dissolved, and is still the headquarters of the county.
There have been some rumors of some paranormal activity surrounding the courthouse - revolving around the hangings that occurred in early years, curious visitors in the courthouse, shadow figures, items being moved,etc. This would possibly be an intriguing location for those that seek out the paranormal.
Kingston is the oldest city in Caldwell County, Missouri, becoming the county seat in or around 1843. The city is named for Judge King, a circuit judge in Richmond, and later became the governor of the state.
My curiosity was peaked when we got to Kingston. I was extremely curious about the former county seat of Far West. So we followed the signs to what once was Far West. There is a lot of history in this area with the Mormons. The town no longer stands, but there is a beautiful monument and picnic area where Far West once stood. Well worth a drive to see…even if you are of another faith.
I will try to provide a little background about the creation of Caldwell County. It was created in December 1836 by the Missouri General Assembly and to be dedicated to Mormon settlers. At that time the county seat was a town called Far West. Mormons who were being driven out of Jackson County gathered in Caldwell County. There was a lot of friction between the non-Mormons and the Mormons. The Mormons were run out of this area when Joseph Smith was arrested. Far West was left to fade away.
If you want to learn more, go to this site and read the article that was written about Caldwell County and Kingston -
http://www.fold3.com/image/#262841258
My suggestion to you if you want to know more about this intriguing area’s history do some research and then take a road trip to see the area. There is a lot available online, so push ahead and look it up. Then go see it!! Step out of the box of comfort. Experience Missouri!!!!!! Experience history!
"History is not another name for the past, as many people imply. It is the name for stories about the past." ~ A J P Taylor
Curiosity is peaking and a road trip in the works for Sunday, where to – Kingston, Missouri. This little community is the county seat of Caldwell County Missouri.
It seems to be almost a ghost town, but the county courthouse is still standing and functioning as the center of county government. Surely has to be some tourist draw in this quaint little town. There are 287 residents in this small rural town, according the sign as you enter the location. So I am off to find out why people would be interested in this community.
The courthouse that stands there today was built in 1898. The cornerstone was laid on September 2, 1898. It was completed on December 1, 1898 at the cost of $24,827. The building is still being used today for the county offices, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The present courthouse is the 4th courthouse to be built in Caldwell County. Kingston was not the original county seat, but won its challenge against Hamilton to become the county seat of Caldwell County when Far West was dissolved, and is still the headquarters of the county.There have been some rumors of some paranormal activity surrounding the courthouse - revolving around the hangings that occurred in early years, curious visitors in the courthouse, shadow figures, items being moved,etc. This would possibly be an intriguing location for those that seek out the paranormal.
Kingston is the oldest city in Caldwell County, Missouri, becoming the county seat in or around 1843. The city is named for Judge King, a circuit judge in Richmond, and later became the governor of the state.
My curiosity was peaked when we got to Kingston. I was extremely curious about the former county seat of Far West. So we followed the signs to what once was Far West. There is a lot of history in this area with the Mormons. The town no longer stands, but there is a beautiful monument and picnic area where Far West once stood. Well worth a drive to see…even if you are of another faith.
I will try to provide a little background about the creation of Caldwell County. It was created in December 1836 by the Missouri General Assembly and to be dedicated to Mormon settlers. At that time the county seat was a town called Far West. Mormons who were being driven out of Jackson County gathered in Caldwell County. There was a lot of friction between the non-Mormons and the Mormons. The Mormons were run out of this area when Joseph Smith was arrested. Far West was left to fade away.
If you want to learn more, go to this site and read the article that was written about Caldwell County and Kingston -
http://www.fold3.com/image/#262841258
My suggestion to you if you want to know more about this intriguing area’s history do some research and then take a road trip to see the area. There is a lot available online, so push ahead and look it up. Then go see it!! Step out of the box of comfort. Experience Missouri!!!!!! Experience history!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The Peach Highway
In a rare moment, today I ventured out of my box. Returning from a quick trip to Columbia (home of the University of Missouri – my alma mater), I decided to turn up a road I had only traveled once before. Not knowing for sure where this highway connected with the road I was looking for but I took the exit anyway.
It was a pleasant drive north on Hwy 65, towards my goal of connecting with Hwy 24 West. Highway 65 started out as a four lane highway, and then dwindled down to a two lane road being resurfaced on one lane with lots of construction workers and equipment scattered along the way. This made the speed limit of 60 mph drop to 45. It was ok, as I was not in a hurry. I glanced on and off at the fields and fields of corn on each side…….noticeably absent were fences, trees, and the vegetation that is normally home to wildlife. These were all fields of what has been classified as “clean” farming. My imagination began to take over and I visualized the old homesteads that once stood in these very fields, the wagon trains that crossed the lands, and the civil war battles that left scars throughout this land.
As I approached the turn off for the highway I was wanting; I noticed a change in the crops being grown. While there were plenty of “clean” corn and soybean fields, there were also hillsides of orchards growing peaches and apples. You could smell the sweetness of the ripe peaches. I stopped counting the farmers fruit and vegetable stands after 5, as they were plentiful. Signs appeared in front of them, hawking their produce – fresh picked sugar and cream corn, Missouri homegrown tomatoes, peaches, and candy onions. I was totally full by the time I reached home…..just thinking about them.
As I continued this trip I noticed more and more signs for local wineries. They boasted in their signs of having peach and apple wine. One of my favorite wines comes from Germany and is Apfelwein. So good! I will have to make a trip back to these wineries to see if there is any comparison. That will be another story to be written.
As I got closer to my destination I thought about what I had seen on this venture today. I did get closer to the beautiful scenery of Missouri farmland, small towns and farmers hard at work. It was well worth stepping out of my box and getting to know the land around me. It put me in the mood to start stepping out more often and venturing to sites I have not seen in my own state. Stand by and travel with me, as I write about my ventures.
Topics that I will be writing about soon and often will be “Historic Downtowns” – visiting some and writing about them including pictures. Then there is a favorite of mine which I may combine with the downtowns or do those separate – county courthouses. I hope you will enjoy my writings and step out of your box to visit areas in Missouri!!!!!!
Happy Traveling!
It was a pleasant drive north on Hwy 65, towards my goal of connecting with Hwy 24 West. Highway 65 started out as a four lane highway, and then dwindled down to a two lane road being resurfaced on one lane with lots of construction workers and equipment scattered along the way. This made the speed limit of 60 mph drop to 45. It was ok, as I was not in a hurry. I glanced on and off at the fields and fields of corn on each side…….noticeably absent were fences, trees, and the vegetation that is normally home to wildlife. These were all fields of what has been classified as “clean” farming. My imagination began to take over and I visualized the old homesteads that once stood in these very fields, the wagon trains that crossed the lands, and the civil war battles that left scars throughout this land.
As I approached the turn off for the highway I was wanting; I noticed a change in the crops being grown. While there were plenty of “clean” corn and soybean fields, there were also hillsides of orchards growing peaches and apples. You could smell the sweetness of the ripe peaches. I stopped counting the farmers fruit and vegetable stands after 5, as they were plentiful. Signs appeared in front of them, hawking their produce – fresh picked sugar and cream corn, Missouri homegrown tomatoes, peaches, and candy onions. I was totally full by the time I reached home…..just thinking about them.
As I continued this trip I noticed more and more signs for local wineries. They boasted in their signs of having peach and apple wine. One of my favorite wines comes from Germany and is Apfelwein. So good! I will have to make a trip back to these wineries to see if there is any comparison. That will be another story to be written.
As I got closer to my destination I thought about what I had seen on this venture today. I did get closer to the beautiful scenery of Missouri farmland, small towns and farmers hard at work. It was well worth stepping out of my box and getting to know the land around me. It put me in the mood to start stepping out more often and venturing to sites I have not seen in my own state. Stand by and travel with me, as I write about my ventures.
Topics that I will be writing about soon and often will be “Historic Downtowns” – visiting some and writing about them including pictures. Then there is a favorite of mine which I may combine with the downtowns or do those separate – county courthouses. I hope you will enjoy my writings and step out of your box to visit areas in Missouri!!!!!!
Happy Traveling!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
SUMMER DAZE IN MISSOURI
It's official.......the end of the hot muggy days of summer in Missouri are drawing near. This is marked by the 2009 Missouri State Fair, being held August 13 through August 23 in Sedalia, Missouri.
This event is one of the biggest tourist draws in the state. It features a carnival, auto races, top name concerts, and the best of the best in livestock, 4-H, Missouri agriculture and more. It is a must on your calendar.
Normally Missouri is known for the hot humid days of July and August, but this year we have been blessed with milder temperatures. There are several days left to enjoy this event, so pack the kids in the car and head off to Sedalia for a fun filled day of Missouri fun!!!!!! It is easy to find.
Normally Missouri is known for the hot humid days of July and August, but this year we have been blessed with milder temperatures. There are several days left to enjoy this event, so pack the kids in the car and head off to Sedalia for a fun filled day of Missouri fun!!!!!! It is easy to find.
Other communities are also winding down this summer season with festivals, so there is lots to choose from throughout the state. Check out the Missouri Tourism web site and pick out one close by to visit.
Missouri welcomes you!!!!!!!
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