EXPERIENCING MISSOURI OFF THE BEATEN PATH

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!