National Register Listing

Caplinger Mills Historic District

Jct. of Washington Ave. and the Sac R., Caplinger Mills, MO
Local significance of the district:
Industry; Commerce; Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The "Show-Me State" is Missouri's official nickname and is believed to have originated from a speech given by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver in 1899. He said, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me."
Missouri random facts
Cedar County, Missouri has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware, who used the land for hunting and fishing. European settlers began arriving in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

In 1835, Cedar County was officially established and named after the Cedar Creek, which flows through the region. The county quickly grew in population, with towns and communities sprouting up along the Osage, Sac, and Cedar Creek rivers. Agriculture became the primary industry, with farmers cultivating crops like corn, wheat, and livestock.

During the Civil War, Cedar County experienced its fair share of turmoil. The area was divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers, leading to clashes and skirmishes throughout the county. However, after the war, Cedar County began to recover and rebuild.

In the early 20th century, Cedar County saw further development with the arrival of the railroad. Towns such as Stockton and El Dorado Springs became important commercial and transportation hubs. Today, Cedar County continues to thrive as a rural community, known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and strong agricultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cedar County, Missouri.

  • 1820: Cedar County was organized as a county in the state of Missouri.
  • 1833: The city of Stockton was platted and became the county seat of Cedar County.
  • 1861: Cedar County residents voted against secession and supported the Union during the Civil War.
  • 1870: The first railroad, the Sedalia and Warsaw Railway, was completed in Cedar County.
  • 1872: The El Dorado Springs community was established in Cedar County.
  • 1881: The Cedar County Courthouse, located in Stockton, was completed.
  • 1901: The Cedar County Republican newspaper began publication in Stockton.
  • 1931: Stockton Dam was completed, creating Stockton Lake and providing flood control and recreational opportunities.
  • 2003: A major storm struck Cedar County, causing significant damage to infrastructure and homes.