Appleton City in St. Clair County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Appleton City, Missouri
Before Appleton City was founded, the open prairie was the hunting grounds for the Osage Indians and French fur traders and trappers.
When the Missouri Kansas and Texas Railroad reached this site in September 10, 1870, where was no town. The land was owned by William M. Prier.
The town was incorporated on October 24, 1870 and platted with a City Park and wide Main Street.
The town was named Appleton City when W.H. Appleton, a New York City, New York publisher, told a citizen if the town was named for him he would give 500 books and $300 for a library building, making it the third oldest public library in Missouri.
When the railroad bypassed the town of Hudson to the west, twenty-five houses, three businesses and one church were moved to the location, beginning the growth of the town.
The town prospered over the years, nurtured by the abundant products from its fertile farm lands, and the dedication of its enterprising business people, and sustained by the faith and love of its citizens.
In 2019, the Appleton City downtown Commercial District was placed on the National Register of Historical Places by the United States Department of the Interior.
Explore the town for more historical facts.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is September 10, 1870.
Location. 38° 11.437′ N, 94° 1.535′ W. Marker is in Appleton City, Missouri, in St. Clair County. Marker is on East 4th Street (State Highway 52) just west of North Locust Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker stands in Forest Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 210 E 4th St, Appleton City MO 64724, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); M.K.&T Depot (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1870 (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. Ludger Catholic Church (approx. 6.9 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2021, by Linda Lampkin of Appleton City, Missouri. This page has been viewed 415 times since then and 88 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 9, 2021, by Linda Lampkin of Appleton City, Missouri. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.