Cities and Towns in Lewis County, Missouri
Founded in 1833, Lewis County is one of 114 counties in the state of Missouri. Historically, Lewis County was formed from Marion County. The city of Monticello is the county seat. With FIPS code of 111, Lewis County has a population of 10,000 and area of 505 square miles (1,308 km²).
List of all cities in Lewis County, MO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Canton, MO | 63435 | 573 |
| Deer Ridge, MO | 63447 | 660 |
| Durham, MO | 63438 | 573 |
| Ewing, MO | 63440 | 573 |
| La Belle, MO | 63447 | 660 |
| La Grange, MO | 63448 | 573 |
| Lewistown, MO | 63452 | 573 |
| Monticello, MO | 63457 | 573 |
| Steffenville, MO | 63447 | 660 |
| Tolona, MO | 63452 | 573 |
| Williamstown, MO | 63473 | 573 |
Major Cities and Towns in Lewis County, Missouri
Canton
Location and History
Canton, located in the northeastern part of Lewis County, is a small town situated along the Mississippi River. Founded in 1836, the town was named after Canton, Ohio, the birthplace of a prominent local settler. Canton served as a key river port during the early years of settlement, and its location on the river allowed it to thrive as a trading hub for agricultural products and other goods. The town grew steadily throughout the 19th century, with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s helping to further establish Canton as a commercial and transportation center in the region. Over time, Canton transitioned from an agricultural town to a quieter residential community, though its historical ties to river trade and industry are still visible today in the town’s architecture and infrastructure. Canton’s riverfront location remains a significant part of its identity, offering scenic views of the Mississippi River and serving as a recreational hub.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.28 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 2,191
- Zip Codes: 63435
- Latitude: 40.0360° N
- Longitude: 91.6110° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Canton is served by the Canton R-V School District, which includes Canton High School, known for its strong academics and sports programs. The school district is a vital part of the community, offering educational opportunities for children in this rural area. As for landmarks, Canton is home to several historical buildings, including the Lewis County Courthouse, which serves as a central symbol of the town’s history. The Canton Riverfront Park, located along the Mississippi River, is a key recreational area that offers beautiful views and outdoor activities like picnicking and fishing. Another landmark is the historic Canton Depot, which once served as a hub for the town’s railway system and now functions as a museum. Canton’s small-town charm, combined with its riverfront setting and historic significance, makes it a unique and inviting place to live and visit.
La Grange
Location and History
La Grange is a historic town located in the southwestern part of Lewis County, along the western bank of the Mississippi River. Founded in 1826, La Grange quickly became an important river port, serving as a gateway for trade and travel between Missouri and the rest of the United States. Its proximity to the Mississippi River helped the town prosper during the 19th century, as riverboats made it a critical transportation point for goods like grain, livestock, and timber. The town’s name is derived from a French term meaning “the farm,” reflecting its early agricultural roots. La Grange played a significant role in the Civil War, as the region was heavily contested between Union and Confederate forces due to its strategic location along the river. In the years following the war, La Grange began to shift its focus from transportation to agriculture and local commerce. Today, La Grange maintains much of its historic character, with several buildings dating back to the 19th century still standing.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 1.15 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 1,016
- Zip Codes: 63448
- Latitude: 39.6313° N
- Longitude: 91.5487° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
La Grange is part of the La Grange R-II School District, which provides educational services to local students through its elementary and high schools. The district is known for a strong sense of community, and its schools offer both academic and extracurricular programs, including sports and fine arts. La Grange is known for its beautiful riverfront, with several parks along the Mississippi River offering opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and picnicking. Historic landmarks in La Grange include the La Grange Courthouse, a notable 19th-century building that serves as a symbol of the town’s historical significance. Additionally, the La Grange Historic District, which contains a number of well-preserved homes and public buildings, offers a glimpse into the town’s past. The town also features the famed “La Grange Park,” a popular spot for local events and outdoor recreation. With its historic charm, scenic views, and rich history, La Grange remains a peaceful and inviting place for both residents and visitors.
Lewistown
Location and History
Lewistown, located in the central part of Lewis County, is a small, rural town founded in 1825. It was named after Lewis T. Grant, a prominent local settler. The town’s early economy was based on agriculture, with a focus on grain farming, livestock, and orchards. Lewistown has maintained its agricultural roots over the years, but like many small towns, it has seen slow growth in population and industry. Despite its small size, Lewistown has played an important role in the county’s history, particularly in terms of farming and trade. The town’s development was also bolstered by its position along the main routes connecting other towns in the region. Today, Lewistown remains a quiet, rural community where residents enjoy a slower pace of life and close-knit relationships. It retains much of its 19th-century character, with several older buildings still standing and a strong sense of local pride.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.37 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 574
- Zip Codes: 63452
- Latitude: 39.8341° N
- Longitude: 91.5962° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lewistown is served by the Highland R-IV School District, which includes a local elementary school and provides high school education through the district’s larger schools in nearby towns. The small, rural nature of the town means that local education is tightly integrated into the community, with strong support for sports, arts, and academic achievement. Landmarks in Lewistown include the historic Lewistown Presbyterian Church, an architectural gem dating back to the town’s early days, and the Lewistown Community Park, which offers a quiet space for recreation and local events. The town is also near the Cuivre River State Park, providing outdoor opportunities such as hiking, fishing, and camping for residents and visitors. While Lewistown may not have the bustling commerce of larger towns, it offers an authentic rural experience with scenic views, historical charm, and a strong local community spirit.
Monticello
Location and History
Monticello is a small, rural town located in the eastern part of Lewis County. Founded in the early 1800s, Monticello was originally a farming community with a focus on crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The town’s early history was shaped by its position along the main transportation routes of the time, including river trade along the Mississippi River. By the mid-1800s, Monticello had developed into a more established settlement, with a number of businesses and small industries serving the surrounding area. Although Monticello saw little commercial growth in the 20th century, it has remained a quiet, rural community with a strong agricultural base. The town has maintained its charm over the years, with several historic buildings still standing and a close-knit population. Today, Monticello remains a rural escape for those seeking peace and a slower pace of life.
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude
- Area: 0.43 square miles
- Population (2020 Census): 326
- Zip Codes: 63457
- Latitude: 39.7713° N
- Longitude: 91.7024° W
Major Schools and Landmarks
Monticello is part of the Highland R-IV School District, with local students attending the district’s elementary schools and high schools located in nearby towns. The town’s educational opportunities are supported by a close-knit community that values small-town life and provides plenty of extracurricular activities for children. Key landmarks in Monticello include the historic Monticello Methodist Church, which dates back to the town’s founding and remains a community gathering point. The Monticello Cemetery, which is located on the outskirts of the town, is another historic site, with graves dating back to the town’s earliest days. Monticello is also known for its surrounding rural landscape, which is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The small-town atmosphere and peaceful surroundings make Monticello a charming place for residents and visitors alike.
