Polk Township in Milan in Sullivan County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Milan, Missouri

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 15, 2021

1. Milan, Missouri Marker

Inscription.
Armstead C. Hill (1804-1889) was the first settler in the vicinity of Milan. He first visited the area in January, 1840, and erected a log cabin about 200 yards northeast of this site. The original town was laid out upon the farm of Mr. Hill in 1845, but the plot was never recorded. The town of Milan was officially incorporated by the state legislature February 9, 1859. The first courthouse on this site was erected in 1858. The building was destroyed by fire in 1908 and the present courthouse was constructed in 1939. Ancient burial mounds were discovered during the original excavation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is February 9, 1859.

Location. 40° 12.138′ N, 93° 7.491′ W. Marker is in Milan, Missouri, in Sullivan County. It is in Polk Township. Marker is at the intersection of East 3rd Street (State Highway E) and North Main Street, on the left when traveling east on East 3rd Street. Marker is mounted on the north side of the monument near the southeast corner of the Sullivan County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 109 North Main Street, Milan MO 63556, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Robert "Cal" Hubbard

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(here, next to this marker); Sullivan County, Missouri (here, next to this marker); Milan Depot Historical Railroad Museum (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Sullivan County (approx. 2.6 miles away).

Also see . . . City of Milan History. City website entry:

Marshall Baker Witter moved to Sullivan County in 1844. At that time Milan was known as the Pharsalia Post Office. The name was so hard to pronounce and so few people knew how to spell it that Mr. Witter sought an easier name. Having read the noted Milan Decree, he suggested the name Milan for the city, and it was unanimously adopted. After which, by act of the legislature, approved February 9, 1859, Milan was incorporated. R. D. Morrison was the first mayor of Milan. Mr. Witter was the second mayor, and during his second year as mayor, the legislature repealed the city charter. This act was approved by the governor February 8, 1861. From this time until the meeting of the county court in May 1867, the town was devoid of any form of government. The town remained unincorporated until 1869, when it was again incorporated.

(Submitted on February 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 15, 2021

2. Milan, Missouri Marker

(looking south • East 3rd Street in background)

Sullivan County Courthouse (<i>south/front elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 15, 2021

3. Sullivan County Courthouse (south/front elevation)

(marker is on north [back] side of monument located at the far right)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 191 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.