National Register Listing

Benton Avenue AME Church

830 N. Benton Ave., Springfield, MO
Local significance of the building:
Black; Social History; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2001.

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.

ethnic heritage black social history architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Missouri.
The University of Missouri, located in Columbia, was the first public university west of the Mississippi River. It was founded in 1839 and has a long history of academic and athletic excellence.
Missouri random facts
Greene County, Missouri, situated in the southwest part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by Osage Native Americans, but European settlers began to arrive in the late 1820s. In 1833, Greene County was established, named after American Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene.

During the mid-1800s, Greene County experienced rapid growth due to the expansion of the railroad system. This resulted in increased trade and commerce, and the county's population grew significantly. The county seat, Springfield, became a center for politics, education, and business, with notable establishments like Missouri State University being founded during this time.

Greene County played a significant role in the American Civil War. Springfield was the scene of numerous battles and skirmishes, as both Union and Confederate forces sought control of this strategically important region. The Battle of Wilson's Creek, fought just outside Springfield in 1861, was a major engagement that drew national attention.

In the decades that followed, Greene County continued to flourish. The discovery of lead and zinc deposits in the late 19th century fueled further economic growth and attracted mining operations to the area. Today, Greene County is known for its thriving economy, diverse culture, and rich historical heritage, making it an attractive place to live and visit.

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

  • 1833 - Greene County is established on January 2.
  • 1835 - The first courthouse is built in Springfield.
  • 1838 - Springfield becomes the county seat.
  • 1854 - The St. Louis-San Francisco Railway is incorporated.
  • 1861 - The American Civil War begins, and Greene County becomes a battleground.
  • 1865 - The Civil War ends, and the county begins to rebuild.
  • 1901 - The Frisco Building is constructed in Springfield, becoming the tallest building in Missouri at the time.
  • 1907 - The Springfield News-Leader newspaper is established.
  • 1910 - The Greene County Courthouse, the current courthouse, is built.
  • 1920 - The population of Greene County reaches over 80,000.
  • 1939 - The Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium opens in Springfield.
  • 1957 - Springfield College is renamed Drury College.
  • 1960 - The population of Greene County surpasses 150,000.
  • 1973 - Drury College becomes Drury University.
  • 1983 - Bass Pro Shops opens its flagship store in Springfield.
  • 2000 - The population of Greene County exceeds 240,000.
  • 2011 - The Joplin tornado, one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history, affects Greene County.