National Register Listing

Platte County Courthouse

3rd and Main Sts., Platte City, MO
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

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.

law courthouses buildings
Mark Twain, one of America's most beloved authors, was born in Florida, Missouri, in 1835. He later moved to Hannibal, Missouri, where he set many of his famous stories, including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".
Missouri random facts
Platte County, Missouri has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Kansas, Osage, and Missouri Indians, before European settlers arrived. Trading became an important activity along the Missouri River, which runs through the county, and in 1838, Parkville was established as one of the first settlements in the area.

During the mid-1800s, Platte County experienced significant growth due to the California Gold Rush and the establishment of the Platte Purchase. This brought a large number of settlers and migrants passing through the area on their way west. Platte County became an important hub for trading and transportation, with steamboats serving as a vital means of transport on the Missouri River.

The county played a significant role in the American Civil War. Due to its strategic location, both Union and Confederate armies frequently passed through Platte County, leading to numerous battles and skirmishes. Confederate General Sterling Price's failed raid into Missouri in 1864 involved significant military action in the county. The end of the war brought an end to this period of conflict and allowed for the county's recovery and growth.

In the 20th century, Platte County saw further development as it became a part of the greater Kansas City metropolitan area. The Kansas City International Airport, which opened in 1972, is located in Platte County and has played a significant role in the county's economy and growth. Today, Platte County continues to thrive as a suburban area offering a high quality of life with its proximity to Kansas City and its rural charm.

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

  • 1830: Platte County is established as one of the original 14 counties of Missouri
  • 1839: The county seat is established in Weston
  • 1855: The Missouri River flood devastates the county, causing significant damage
  • 1861: Platte County remains divided during the American Civil War
  • 1881: The Kansas City and St. Joseph Railway is completed, boosting transportation and trade
  • 1896: The first automobile is introduced in Platte County, signaling the arrival of modern transportation
  • 1943: The Kansas City Ordnance Plant is built in the southern part of the county, contributing to the war effort during World War II
  • 1960: Kansas City International Airport opens in Platte County, becoming a major transportation hub
  • 1993: Historic Weston is designated as a National Historic Landmark
  • 2000: Platte County's population surpasses 73,000, reflecting rapid growth and development