Warrensburg's exciting future remains anchored to its colorful frontier past. The town's history dates to 1833 when Martin Warren arrived from Kentucky and settled along the Osage Indian Trail. In 1838, the growing village was named the Johnson County seat by a group of early Missouri leaders that included Daniel Morgan Boone. Incorporation as a city came in 1855, and the railroad arrived in 1864. A thriving commercial district sprouted along the tracks, and nearby sandstone quarries helped spur growth.
Important historical sites include the Old Courthouse, the Mary Miller Smiser Heritage Library and Museum, the Johnson County Courthouse (now over 100 years old), and the restored 1890s train deport, which houses The Greater Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center offices. Preserving our past has become a focus for our community and the Johnson County Historical Society.
One of our parks has been restored, and is now known as Blind Boone Park located in the city's historic district. The completed restoration includes a gazebo for public musical events, picnic areas, and a statue of Blind Boone. J.W. "Blind" Boone was a beloved member of our community who, blind and of mixed race, succeeded in working past many physical, cultural, and economic limitations to become a famous concert pianist.
Another citizen's group has formed to preserve Howard School, one of the oldest and the most historically significant black schools in Missouri. These two exciting projects will enhance the major work in the historic area that has already been accomplished by the Johnson County Historical Society.
Old Drum, our beloved hunting dog mascot, is one of the most celebrated figures from Warrensburg's past. When United States senator-to-be George Graham Vest delivered his eulogy to the dog during 1870 in a Johnson County courtroom, he had no idea his words would make him famous. His words, coining the phrase "Man's best friend is his dog," quickly won him fame across Missouri and beyond. |
Vest made the speech while arguing in court on behalf of Charles Burden, whose favorite dog was shot by Leonidas Hornsby. Burden sued, and the case eventually would up in the Missouri Supreme Court, where the plaintiff was awarded $50.The trial advanced Vest's political career, and in 1958 his Tribute to a Dog was carved beneath the statue of Old Drum on the courthouse lawn. Vest's eulogy has won world fame and has been cited as one of the greatest speeches given during the 19th-century. Requests for copies of the speech are received daily by The Greater Warrensburg Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center and mailed the world over.
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