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Mt Vernon Mo History

Welcome to Mt Vernon, located in Lawrence County just 32 miles away from Springfield. This town has a present-day population of 4,503 and holds a name that pays homage to George Washington’s residence on the Potomac River. 

Civil War Echoes

As with many small Missouri communities, the Civil War left an enduring mark on Mt Vernon. The town served as a strategic headquarters for both Confederate and Federal troops, hosting over 100 different regiments during the war. 

Pioneering Spirit

Judge John Williams, the first settler in the county, established his household south of Mt Vernon more than 30 years before the Civil War. Early settlers, hailing from states like Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Virginia, contributed to the town’s vibrant roots. 

Lawrence County, Missouri, courthouse in Mount Vernon

County Seat Origins

In 1845, Lawrence County was officially organized, designating Mt Vernon as its county seat. The original city layout, with lots surveyed and divided, marked the beginning of Mt Vernon’s structured development. 

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