National Register Listing

Warren County Courthouse and Circuit Court Building

Main St., Warrenton, MO
Local significance of the district:
Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

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
The state of Missouri was actually named after a tribe of Sioux Indians called the Missouris, whose name means "town of the large canoes".
Missouri random facts
Warren County, Missouri has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Osage, Kansas, and Missouri tribes. In the early 1800s, European settlers began venturing into the region, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1833, Warren County was officially established and named after General Joseph Warren, a fallen hero in the American Revolutionary War. The county's location along the Missouri River made it an important trading and transportation hub during the 19th century. The introduction of steamboats further boosted the local economy, allowing for easier access to goods and services.

During the Civil War, Warren County, like many parts of Missouri, experienced great turmoil. Though the area was primarily pro-Union, it saw skirmishes and military actions as Confederate and Union forces clashed. The county's strategic location on the border between Union-controlled and Confederate-controlled territories made it a contested ground. After the war, efforts were made to rebuild and reconcile the divided community.

In the years that followed, Warren County developed into an agricultural center, known for its production of tobacco, grains, and livestock. The railroad's arrival in the late 1800s further stimulated growth, connecting the county to larger markets. Over time, the county diversified its economy, with manufacturing and service sectors emerging alongside agriculture.

Today, Warren County continues to thrive as a suburban region, benefiting from its proximity to St. Louis. It offers a blend of rural charm and urban amenities, attracting residents and visitors alike. The county's rich history serves as a reminder of its resilience and the important role it has played in shaping the development of Missouri.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Warren County, Missouri.

  • 1798 - Warren County is established by an act of the Territorial Legislature.
  • 1813 - The first courthouse in the county is constructed.
  • 1827 - Warrenton is named the county seat.
  • 1836 - The county's first post office is established.
  • 1861-1865 - Warren County residents serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1873 - The railroad arrives in the county, boosting economic growth.
  • 1883 - Wright City is incorporated as a city.
  • 1917-1918 - Warren County citizens contribute to World War I efforts.
  • 1957 - The state's first community college, St. Charles Community College, is founded in Warren County.
  • 1981 - The Warren County Historical Society is established.
  • 2001 - Warren County completes its new justice center.
  • 2010 - The county celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.