Chance, Albert Bishop, House and Gardens
a.k.a. The Chance House
319 E. Sneed St., Centralia, MO Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
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 state of Missouri is home to several unique natural landmarks, including the Elephant Rocks State Park, which features giant granite boulders that resemble a herd of elephants, and the Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which has natural bridges, caves, and a castle ruin.
The county is named after Daniel Boone, a legendary American frontiersman and explorer, who spent the last years of his life in the area. Boone County was officially established in 1820, and the town of Columbia was selected to be the county seat. The early settlers of Boone County were primarily farmers, growing crops such as corn and tobacco, and raising livestock.
In the mid-19th century, Boone County played a significant role in the conflict over slavery in the United States. The county was divided over the issue, with some residents supporting slavery and others advocating for its abolition. During the American Civil War, Boone County saw its fair share of military clashes and skirmishes, as both Union and Confederate forces sought control of the region.
After the war, Boone County entered a period of growth and development. Columbia, the county seat, became a center of commerce and education, with the establishment of the University of Missouri in 1839. Throughout the 20th century, Boone County continued to expand, both in population and economic opportunities. Today, it is a thriving area with a diverse economy, including agriculture, healthcare, education, and technology.
Overall, the history of Boone County, Missouri, reflects the larger societal shifts and struggles of the nation as a whole, from its Native American roots to its involvement in the Civil War and its subsequent development.
Boone County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Boone County, Missouri.
- 1801: Boone County is established as part of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1818: The Town of Columbia is founded and becomes the county seat.
- 1821: Missouri becomes a state, including Boone County.
- 1839: The University of Missouri is established in Columbia.
- 1859: The first railroad line reaches Boone County.
- 1861-1865: Boone County sees significant Civil War activity.
- 1872: Stephens College, a women's college, is founded in Columbia.
- 1878: The Missouri State Normal School (now Truman State University) is established in Columbia.
- 1892: The MKT railroad line is completed, connecting Boone County to major cities.
- 1907: Boone Hospital Center is founded in Columbia.
- 1928: The University of Missouri School of Music is founded.
- 1948: The Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans' Hospital opens in Columbia.
- 1964: The Columbia Regional Airport is established.