Boonville in Cooper County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Hannah Cole's Fort
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 11, 2011
1. Hannah Cole's Fort Marker
In 1810 Hannah Cole and her nine children crossed the Missouri River and built a cabin on the site of Boonville, thus becomig the first white settlers south of the river.
After repeated Indian trouble in 1814 it was deemed necessary to build a fort at Hannah Cole's place. The position of the fort on the bluff directly north from this marker, assured protection, water supply, and means of escape in the event of Indian attacks. Upon its completion all white settlers south of the river moved into the fort. The bluff or near-promontory that projected slightly over the Missouri River, was blasted away to make way for the railroad.
Hannah Cole's cabin served as the first church (1811), first school (1817), and first voting booth (1819) in the area. The fort served as a hospital, trading post, hostelry for hunters and protection parties, and was named the first county seat of Howard County in 1816.
Erected 1984 by Boonslick Historical Society Association of Howard and Cooper Counties MO.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.
Location. 38° 58.669′ N, 92° 43.885′ W. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Battle of Boonville (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of Boonville (about 700 feet away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 0.7 miles away); Cooper County Korea - Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Capture of Boonville (approx. 0.7 miles away); Cooper County World War Memorial (approx. 0.7 miles away); Thespian Hall (approx. 0.7 miles away); Capture of Union Troops (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boonville.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Also see . . . History of Boonville, Missouri. City website homepage (Submitted on August 13, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 11, 2011
2. Hannah Cole's Fort Marker
The Cole Family Association website homepage:
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 11, 2011
4. Hannah Cole's Fort Marker
Looking west on Morgan Street
Artist Conception by Stephanie Witte, undated
5. Depiction of Hannah Cole's Fort
Credits. This page was last revised on July 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 3,041 times since then and 113 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on July 13, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5. submitted on August 13, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
