California in Moniteau County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Smith - Burke Park

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 22, 2012

1. Smith - Burke Park Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Circa 1858, after tracks were laid through California, the Missouri Pacific Railroad built the Central Hotel to house railroad employees. Later, Dr. J.P. Burke, a local doctor who practiced medicine in California for about 50 years, purchased the property and resided in the structure along with his family, which maintained residency until 1968. The property was purchased in 1990 by California Progress, Inc., a non-profit corporation dedicated to the future of California, Missouri, in order to build a park in memory of the Central Hotel and Dr. J.P. Burke for their contributions to the community.

California Progress, Inc. wishes to thanks the following for their generous donations to this project:

Dr. Jack Child • Ida Margeret Eitzen • Leslie E. Morginson-Eitzen • Jana Beale Morgana

Erected by California Progress, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 38° 37.727′

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N, 92° 34.037′ W. Marker is in California, Missouri, in Moniteau County. Marker is on Versailles Avenue west of Oak Street (Missouri Route 87), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: California MO 65018, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Farmers and Traders Bank (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); California Aurora School Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Eisenhower Green Ash (approx. half a mile away); Moniteau County Courthouse (approx. half a mile away); Veterans Memorial (approx. half a mile away).

Also see . . .
1. California, Missouri - Parks & Pools. (Submitted on January 8, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. About California, Missouri. (Submitted on January 8, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 22, 2012

2. Smith - Burke Park Marker

Looking NNW across Railroad Avenue

Smith - Burke Park and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., January 22, 2012

3. Smith - Burke Park and Marker

Looking west, with Versailles Avenue on left and Railroad Avenue on right

Central Hotel Drawing on Smith - Burke Park Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Deborah Billups, undated

4. Central Hotel Drawing on Smith - Burke Park Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 364 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 8, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.