Locust Creek Covered Bridge
3 mi. W of Laclede off U.S. 36, Laclede, MO Local significance of the structure:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
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.
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.
Linn County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Linn County, Missouri.
- 1821: Linn County established as a county in Missouri.
- 1829: First county seat established in Laclede.
- 1836: County seat moved to Linneus.
- 1855: Pershing Township established.
- 1857: Brookfield township formed.
- 1879: Laclede township formed.
- 1884: Brookfield becomes a city.
- 1896: New courthouse built in Linneus.
- 1973: Pershing State Park established.
- 1993: Damaging flooding occurs along the Locust Creek.
- 2000: Census records a population of 12,571 for Linn County.