History of Barry County, Missouri
Barry County, Missouri, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. Established in 1835, the county was named after William T. Barry, a prominent American politician. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, but European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, attracted by the fertile land and abundant resources. The county has witnessed significant historical events, including the Civil War, which left its mark on the region. Today, Barry County is known for its natural beauty, small-town charm, and historical landmarks that reflect its past.
Origins and Early History
Native American Presence
Before European settlers arrived, Barry County was home to several Native American tribes, most notably the Osage and the Cherokee. The Osage controlled much of the land in southwestern Missouri, including the area that would become Barry County. They were known for their agricultural skills, hunting, and fishing. By the early 1800s, however, as European settlers began pushing westward, the Osage and other native tribes were forced to cede their lands through treaties with the U.S. government.
The Cherokee, who had been relocated from the southeastern United States, also had a presence in the area. The forced relocation of these native groups, known as the Trail of Tears, significantly impacted the native populations in the region. While the Osage and Cherokee were the most notable tribes in Barry County, many other smaller tribes lived and hunted in the region.
Early European Exploration and Settlement
European exploration of Barry County began in the early 1800s, primarily by French fur traders and settlers moving westward. The land that would become Barry County was part of the Louisiana Territory, which was purchased from France by the United States in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. After Missouri became a state in 1821, settlers from the East began moving westward, attracted by the fertile soil and rich natural resources.
The first European settlers to arrive in Barry County were primarily farmers, and they established small communities along the area’s rivers and streams, including the White River and the James River. These early settlers brought their agricultural expertise, and farming became the foundation of the county’s economy.
Establishment of Barry County
Barry County was officially established on January 19, 1835, after it was carved out of parts of Lawrence, Greene, and other surrounding counties. It was named after William T. Barry, a Kentucky politician who had served in the U.S. Senate. The county seat was established in the town of Cassville, which was named after Lewis Cass, the U.S. Secretary of War and Governor of the Michigan Territory.
Cassville, located along the banks of the White River, became the focal point of Barry County’s early development. The county’s early growth was slow, with many settlers living in small cabins and relying on subsistence farming for their livelihood.
Key Historical Events
The Civil War and Barry County
The Civil War had a significant impact on Barry County, as it did on many other parts of Missouri. Missouri was a border state, with divided loyalties between the Union and the Confederacy. Barry County was no exception, with many of its residents split between supporting the Union and supporting the Confederacy.
A number of skirmishes and battles occurred in Barry County during the Civil War. One of the most notable events was the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, fought in 1861 just south of Barry County, which was one of the first major battles in Missouri. Though not directly in Barry County, it set the stage for the area’s involvement in the conflict.
Local guerrilla warfare also erupted in the county, with Confederate sympathizers engaging in raids on Union-held towns. These raids, known as “bushwhacker” attacks, were a constant threat to the civilian population. The war caused great hardship for the residents of Barry County, and many homes and farms were damaged or destroyed. After the war, the county began to rebuild, but the scars of the conflict remained for many years.
Economic Development in the Late 19th Century
In the decades following the Civil War, Barry County began to recover and grow. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s significantly boosted the county’s economy, making it easier for goods to be transported to markets outside the region. Agriculture remained the backbone of the economy, with crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat being cultivated in the fertile river valleys.
In addition to farming, mining became an important industry in Barry County in the late 19th century. The county is known for its lead and zinc deposits, and mining operations in the area attracted workers from around the region. The presence of the railroad helped facilitate the transport of these minerals to other parts of the state and beyond.
By the early 1900s, Cassville had become an important commercial center, and the county continued to see growth in population and industry. However, many of the county’s smaller towns remained focused on agriculture and small-scale industries, with a rural lifestyle remaining predominant.
Historical Sites in Barry County
1. Barry County Courthouse
Overview: The Barry County Courthouse in Cassville is an important historical landmark. Built in 1909, it stands as a symbol of the county’s long history. The courthouse is still in use today and is a center for local government. The building’s architecture features elements of the Classical Revival style, with its grand columns and stately design. Visitors to the courthouse can learn about the county’s history through exhibits inside the building and can also explore its grounds.
Location: 700 Main St, Cassville, MO
Ticket Price: Free
Parking Information: Free parking is available around the courthouse square.
2. Roaring River State Park
Overview: Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri’s most popular state parks and has historical significance. Established in 1928, the park is located in the Ozarks and features a spring-fed trout stream that is popular for fishing. The park has historical buildings, including a former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp that was built during the Great Depression. Visitors can learn about the history of the park and the CCC’s role in creating the park’s infrastructure.
Location: 12716 Farm Road 2239, Cassville, MO
Ticket Price: Entrance is free, but camping and other activities may require a fee.
Parking Information: Free parking is available at the park entrance and throughout the park.
3. The Ozark Heritage Scenic Byway
Overview: The Ozark Heritage Scenic Byway passes through Barry County and is a historically rich route that showcases the natural beauty and cultural history of the Ozarks. Along the route, visitors can see landmarks related to early settlement, agriculture, and the region’s mining history. The byway provides a great way to explore the county’s history while taking in its picturesque landscapes.
Location: Scenic byway stretches through several towns in Barry County, including Cassville, Purdy, and Monett.
Ticket Price: Free
Parking Information: Parking is available in various towns along the byway.
Geography and Climate
Barry County is located in the southwestern part of Missouri, bordered by Newton County to the north, Lawrence County to the east, and McDonald County to the west. The county is part of the Ozark Plateau, characterized by rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and numerous rivers and streams. The White River, which flows through the county, is one of the area’s major geographical features.
The county covers an area of 789 square miles and is primarily rural, with small towns and farms dotting the landscape. The Ozarks are known for their scenic beauty, and Barry County is no exception. The county is home to several parks, including Roaring River State Park, which offers a variety of recreational opportunities, from fishing and hiking to camping.
Barry County experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and humid, with average highs reaching the mid-80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. Winters are cold, with average lows in the 20s to 30s. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the spring and fall months typically receiving the most rainfall.
County Facts
- Year Founded: 1835
- County Seat: Cassville
- Population: Approximately 58,000 (2020 census)
- Population Density: 73 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Cassville, Monett, Purdy
- Major Highways: U.S. Highway 37, U.S. Highway 60, Missouri Route 86
- Adjacent Counties: Newton County (north), Lawrence County (east), McDonald County (west), Stone County (south)
Barry County, Missouri, is a region steeped in history, from its early Native American inhabitants to its development as an agricultural and industrial hub in the 19th century. The county’s landmarks, parks, and historical sites provide a glimpse into the past, offering both residents and visitors the opportunity to learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage. Whether exploring the scenic byways, visiting the courthouse, or enjoying the natural beauty of Roaring River State Park, Barry County remains a place where history comes alive.
