8 Must-See Historic Towns in Missouri

As the 24th state to join the US, history is preserved and cherished like gold across Missouri, especially in its small towns. These towns set aside their downtown historic districts to showcase the glory of yesteryears, since the state's founding in 1821. A visit to the Show Me State will show that barely little has changed since the first European migrants began pouring into what is now known as the United States. Think of towns like Carthage, which is rich in Civil War History or Arrow Rock, with its entire territory designated as a historic landmark. Such incredibly historic towns are spread out in abundance across Missouri, and while they are all worth visiting, discover the most historic must-see towns in the state.

Branson

Branson is a small town within the Ozarks Mountains renowned as the live entertainment capital of the world, with numerous entertainment theaters scattered along its streets. However, the town is beyond entertainment as it is also big on history. The origins of Branson date to the late 1800s when a man named Reuben Branson operated a general store and post office in the area.

By 1912, the town was incorporated, and today, it is home to several historic attractions like the History of Fishing Museum, which offers a headstart into the fishing culture of the Ozarks with its over 40,000 collection of angling artifacts. Branson is also home to the world-famous Titanic Museum, built to replicate the exact ship and housing over 400 artifacts that reveal more about the real Titanic ship. For something different, be sure to check out the Talking Rocks Caverns, a historic cave discovered in 1883 and open for exploration. 

Arrow Rock

Arrow Rock is a scenic village positioned on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, where every turn screams rich history. Founded in 1829, this town played a significant role in the Westward Expansion. In the early 1800s, a ferry was established on the site to serve settlers moving Westward via the Santa Fe Trail.

Today, the entire town is within the Arrow Rock Historic District. It features attractions such as Arrow Rock State Historic Site, which is an open-air museum featuring remarkable structures like George Caleb Bingham House, a one-room stone jail, and the J Huston Tavern, which all shed more light on the area’s history. The historic site is also home to the Dr. John Sappington Museum, commemorating the life of the first person to create an anti-fever pill.

Weston

Weston was once a thriving port on the banks of the Missouri River and also a major starting point for journeys along famous routes such as the Santa Fe Trail and the Oregon Trail. Today, it is a charming town steeped in history and Wild West heritage. Visitors can appreciate this town’s history by visiting attractions like McCormick Distilling, which is the oldest whiskey distillery, west of the Mississippi River.

To learn even more about the history of Weston, be sure to take a tour of the Weston Historic District, which features countless Victorian-style structures built between 1840 and 1920. The Weston Historical Museum is one notable building to check out in the historic district as it features a variety of artifacts, ranging from vintage clothing to Native American relics. After the historic tour, proceed to enjoy some drinks at O'Malley's Pub, the oldest bar in Missouri.

Washington

Washington is a charming river town in Missouri with roots dating to the early 1800s when followers of Daniel Boone settled in the area. Boone was an American frontiersman who led settlers beyond the western border of the then 13 Colonies to settle permanently in Kentucky.  In 1833, several German immigrants began trooping into the area to establish homes, and by 1841, the town was incorporated.

Visitors to the town today can learn more about its rich history at the Washington Historic Society Museum, which houses a wealth of historical treasures dating to the 19th century. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the town to see its many historic structures like the Marquarts Landing (a restaurant and bar originally built as a hotel in 1855) and the Fort Charrette Historic Village and Museum (featuring artifacts dating to the 18th and 19th centuries). 

Ste. Genevieve

Travel back in time to Ste. Genevieve, one of the oldest European settlements west of the Mississippi River, founded in 1735 by French Canadian colonists. Almost all parts of the town are within the Ste. Genevieve National Historic Park and most of the buildings reflect the iconic grandeur of French colonial architecture. Some of these include The Beauvais-Amoureux House (built in 1792), the Felix Valle House Historic Site (built in 1818), and the Green Tree Tavern (the oldest verified house in Missouri, built in 1790). For arts and antique lovers, stop by the Sainte Genevieve Art Center and Museum to browse through several works of local artists.

Boonville

The history of Boonville dates back thousands of years, when Native Americans lived and thrived in the area for 10,000 years. The town was the site of two Civil War battles and an important part of the famous Sante Fe historical trail. Today, the town is home to many historic properties, out of which 400 have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors here are welcome to feast on the town’s numerous historic attractions, beginning from the Thespian Hall, which was built in 1855, and which served as a morgue and hospital in the Civil War. This hall is now home to the oldest existing performance theater west of the Allegheny Mountains. More must-see historic attractions in Boonsville include the Old Cooper County Jail (the longest-operating jail in Missouri), and the Hanging Barn, where the last public hanging was held in 1930.

Carthage

Carthage is a beautiful town that’s big in American war History. Named after the ancient city of Carthage, this town was the site of the first battle of the American Civil War, known as the Battle of Carthage in 1861. Today, the site of the engagement is protected within the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site and is a must-visit for all history buffs.

Carthage is also home to the Carthage Civil War Museum, which features artifacts, and documentaries that shed more light on the Civil War. For even more of this town’s rich history, be sure to experience the Carthage Historic Homes driving tour to explore the town’s four historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau is a beautiful town over the Mississippi River with over 250 years of rich history. This town was incorporated in 1808 and was once a thriving trading and distribution center in the region. In 1863, the town became the site of the Civil War Battle of Girardeau, and several forts were built during the time.

The town is now home to the Fort D Historical Site, which offers in-depth insight into how the war shaped the area. Cape Girardeau also features the Glenn House, a historic house built in 1883, that offers a glimpse into the Victorian era. In addition, the town features the Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, which preserves the town’s over 200 years of milling history. For a deeper understanding of the town’s history, visitors to Cape Girardeau must check out the Cape River Heritage Museum, which offers ever-changing exhibits designed to reveal more about the history of this part of the Mississippi River.

Missouri is an incredible state where antiquity and old-world charms shine in their authentic glory. While history lives across all parts of the state, these towns are where they are best preserved. In addition, many of these communities are located by the banks of mighty rivers like the Missouri River and Mississippi River, combining historic allure with natural scenery to give visitors unforgettable experiences.