Historical Markers in
Wayne County, Missouri

Alice J. Curtice Moyer-Wing , The Ozark Suffragist Barrow's Store Bedwell Tavern Bettis Ferry Changing Times Civil War Early Days Greenville Bike Trail - Greenville Trailhead Greenville Jailhouse Greenville's First Inhabitants: The Native Americans Harry S. Truman Hastings' Barber Shop J. Arthur Davis Dealership Memory Lane Memory Lane Trail Moving Greenvville in 1941 Old Greenville - Hiram N. Hollady's Company Town Old Greenville in 1840 - On The Road to the Old Southwest Old Greenville in 1940 - Before the Wappapello Dam Old Greenville's Accommodation Old Greenville's Timmons Street Business District Ownbey Residence Sam Brown She Poisoned His Tomato Wine St. Francis Hotel The Beginning of New Greenville The Filling Stations of Old Greenville The New Century The Wayne County Courthouse At Old Greenville Tie-Hacking Ward's Store Wayne County Wayne County Bank Wayne County Courthouse Wayne County Veterans Memorial Wilcox Service Station World War I Memorial
The town of Hermann, Missouri, is known for its wineries and German heritage. It was founded in 1837 by a group of German immigrants and is home to the annual Hermann Maifest, a celebration of German culture and traditions.
Missouri random facts
Wayne County, Missouri has a rich history dating back to its early settlement in the early 1800s. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Shawnee and Delaware tribes, who lived off the land and engaged in trade along the nearby rivers. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, drawn by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources.

The county was officially established on December 11, 1818, and was named after General "Mad" Anthony Wayne, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The early years saw the arrival of pioneers who cleared the land, established homesteads, and built communities. The county quickly became an agricultural hub, with crops like corn, wheat, and tobacco being cultivated.

Wayne County played a role in the American Civil War, with residents divided in their loyalties. Some supported the Union, while others sympathized with the Confederacy. The area saw skirmishes and raids as both sides vied for control. After the war, the county began to rebuild, focusing on agriculture and expanding its infrastructure.

Over the years, Wayne County has faced challenges such as natural disasters, economic fluctuations, and social changes. It has weathered floods, droughts, and economic recessions, but has always managed to persevere and adapt. Today, Wayne County remains a rural community with agriculture as its backbone, while also embracing tourism and outdoor recreation due to its beautiful natural landscapes and proximity to state parks and wilderness areas.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Wayne County, Missouri.

  • 1800 - The area that is now Wayne County is part of the Louisiana Purchase, owned by the United States.
  • 1818 - Missouri becomes a state, and the region is part of the newly formed Wayne County.
  • 1825 - The county seat is established in Greenville.
  • 1851 - Piedmont becomes the new county seat.
  • 1901 - The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway is constructed through Wayne County.
  • 1913 - The first bank in Wayne County is opened in Piedmont.
  • 1925 - The Ozark National Forest is established, including parts of Wayne County.
  • 1941 - Mark Twain National Forest is created, covering a large portion of Wayne County.
  • 1973 - The Sam A. Baker State Park is opened in Wayne County.
  • 2011 - Heavy rainfall leads to severe flooding in Wayne County, causing significant damage.