Pike County, Missouri
Pike County located north of St.Louis on Hwy 79 had once been called "Land of the Golden Hills" by the French Explorers. The eastern region is dominated by the Lincoln Hills, an area that resembles the rugged and forested hills of the Ozarks. Louisiana and Clarksville were the first towns to be established in 1816 after the war of 1812. Clarksville was the first major river port north of St. Louis, being settled by primarily settlers from Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Louisiana was settled around the area south of where the Salt River dumps in to the Mississippi River and north of Noix Creek. As populations grew the western part of Pike County in the Bowling Green area began springing up with farms and other industry. Throughout Pike County structures sometimes show one the history in a glance from the time before the Civil War through today.
Bowling Green
Bowling Green is located 12 miles from the Mississippi River in the Glacial Plains region. The first pioneer, John W Basye came in 1820 and by 1823 the settlement named for Bowling Green, Kentucky was named the county seat of Pike County. Sac and Fox Indians ceded claims in 1804 and again 1824 to settlers. Grain, livestock and fruit farming were major sources of agricultural livelihood. Early schools were Pike Academy (1837), Isaac W Basye’s Normal School (1867) and J D Meriwether’s Bowling Green College (1881). The Chicago and Alton railroad ((G.M. & O) was completed in 1871 and the St Louis and Hannibal railroad in 1876. Limestone quarries were opened in the late 1800s. Bowling Green was home of Beachamp (Champ) Clark (1850-1921) who served as Speaker of the House of Representatives in the U.S. Congress from 1911 to 1919. His son Bennett Champ Clark (1890 – 1954) U. S. Senator was born here. Diplomat John H Swift (1829 – 1891), Admiral W. R. Purnell (1886 – 1955) and Elliott W Major 33rd governor of Missouri had ties to Bowling Green.
Clarksville
Touch the Mississippi ... where downtown and the Mississippi embrace. Nestled between the highest point on the Mississippi and the River itself, Clarksville has the only remaining downtown business district in the state of Missouri which faces the Mighty Mississippi. Founded in 1817 and once a busy river port, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Clarksville offers fine antiques shops, working artisans, and quiet picnics in Riverfront Park. Clarksville is a town that has truly discovered the value of its unique historic resources and used its past most effectively to create a vision for its future. Recognized by Missouri Department of Conservation for being the most outstanding locale for nature tourism in the state, Clarksville's serine beauty attracts nature as well as nature lovers. Being located on the Mississippi Flyway, Clarksville affords visitors the opportunity to encounter the spring and fall migrations of waterfowl and other birds. In January and February it is well known as one of the best locations to view the majestic bald eagle an in drecent years has been a stopping area for pelicans. While enjoying a picnic lunch in the park, summer visitors may watch river traffic travel through Lock and Dam 24 as blue heron fly overhead. Fall festivals, very much alive in Clarksville, welcome brilliant colors on the hills and knolls along the river, as well as an abundant supply of apples and other treats.
Curryville
Curryville was platted in 1866, and named after Perry A. Curry, the original owner of the town site. A post office called Curryville has been in operation since 1869. Curryville is located in western Pike County on U.S. Route 54 about seven miles west of Bowling Green. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.27 square miles (0.70 km2), all land.
Edgewood
Edgewood is an unincorporated community in Pike County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. A post office called Edgewood was established in 1879, and remained in operation until 1955. The community was so named for the fact the original town site was situated at the edge of a large forest.
Eolia
Eolia was platted in 1881 along the railroad line. The community was named for Aeolus, the ruler of winds in Greek mythology. A post office called Eolia has been in operation since 1881. The Griffith-McCune Farmstead Historic District and St. John's Episcopal Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eolia is a village in Pike County, Missouri, United States. The population was 522 at the 2010 census.
Frankford
Frankford is a city in Pike County, Missouri, United States. The population was 323 at the 2010 census. The population density was 621.2 inhabitants per square mile. There were 171 housing units at an average density of 328.8 per square mile.
Louisiana
Louisiana Missouri is located on the banks of the Mississippi River 70 miles north of St. Louis on Route 79 and about 30 miles south of Hannibal, Missouri. Louisiana’s first settler John Bryson built the first residence in 1817 and 1818 sold some land to Samuel Caldwell and Joel Shaw, this area became the original plat of Louisiana which was mainly river-front property. Louisiana boasts nearly 4,000 residents, many whom are descendants of the early settlers.
Paynesville
Paynesville is a village in Pike County, Missouri, United States. The population was 77 at the 2010 census. Paynesville was platted in 1831, and named after William Payne, a St. Louis-based tradesman.
