Walt Disney's "Barn Circus"

Linn County, Missouri has a rich and diverse history that spans over several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Osage, who lived off the land and thrived in the region. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1700s, primarily from Kentucky and Tennessee, seeking new opportunities and fertile land for farming.

In 1821, Linn County was officially established, named after Lewis F. Linn, a U.S. Senator from Missouri. The county quickly developed into an agricultural hub, with farmers cultivating crops such as corn, wheat, hemp, and tobacco. Linn County's location along the Missouri River made it an important transportation hub for goods and settlers moving westward during the westward expansion era.

During the American Civil War, Linn County saw its fair share of conflict. While the majority of its residents were sympathetic to the Union cause, there were some who supported the Confederacy. The Battle of Centralia in 1864, which took place in Linn County, was a particularly significant and brutal confrontation between Confederate guerrillas, led by Bloody Bill Anderson, and Union troops.

In the years following the war, Linn County continued to thrive agriculturally, with farmers diversifying their crops and embracing new farming techniques. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further enhanced the county's growth and allowed for easier transportation of goods. Today, Linn County is a vibrant community that retains its agricultural roots while also embracing modern industries and technologies.