The History of Hamilton MO

The history of Hamilton MO dates back to the mid-19th century when the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad spurred development in the region. Before 1854, this area was vast prairie land, largely uninhabited. That same year, the Hamilton Town Company was formed with the goal of creating a thriving community along the new rail line. Originally set to be named Prairie City, the town was instead named Hamilton by Albert Gallatin Davis, paying tribute to Alexander Hamilton, the first U.S. Treasury Secretary, and Joseph Hamilton, a War of 1812 hero.

The history of Hamilton Mo in the early days saw rapid growth. In 1855, Davis built the first house, and by 1857, he had opened the town's first general store, which later doubled as a post office when he became postmaster in 1858. A major milestone in the history of Hamilton MO occurred on February 14, 1859, with the arrival of the railroad, leading to the construction of a depot that same year.

HAMILTON MO FUN FACTS

POPULATION  1710

ELEVATION  988

FOUNDED  1855

INCORPORATED  1868

By the time of the Civil War, Hamilton had grown to around 25 homes and businesses. While the surrounding region saw guerrilla warfare, Hamilton itself remained relatively peaceful, with a strong pro-Union sentiment. A local Home Guard unit, aided by the 50th Illinois Infantry, helped protect the town during these turbulent times.  

After the war, Hamilton flourished, officially incorporating in 1868. The 1880s brought even more progress, with the establishment of newspapers, banks, hotels, and flour mills. Coal mining also played a vital role in the town’s economy during this period. The coal companies employed hundreds of workers and the town continued to grow. 

The History of Hamilton Mo during the turn of the century

The turn of the century saw such enterprises as the Hamilton Electric Company, the Hamilton Telephone Company, the Hamilton Creamery Company, the Hamilton Manufacturing Company ( making canvas gloves and mittens) the Hamilton Saw Mill, a cheese factory, a cigar factory and a cider mill.

One of the most famous names in the history of Hamilton MO is James Cash Penney, the founder of the J.C. Penney retail chain. Born in Hamilton in 1875, his legacy lives on through a museum dedicated to his life and contributions.

James Cash Penney, the founder of the J.C. Penney retail chain, was born on September 16, 1875, on a farm near Hamilton, Missouri. Growing up as the seventh of twelve children to James Cash Penney, Sr., a farmer and Baptist minister, and Mary Frances Paxton Penney, he was instilled with values of the Golden Rule, self-reliance, and education. The family moved into Hamilton to provide better educational opportunities for their children.

In 1951, Penney's commitment to education led him to donate funds for constructing a new high school in Hamilton. In recognition of his contributions, the institution was named Penney High School.

To honor his legacy, the J.C. Penney Library and Museum was established at 312 North Davis Street in Hamilton. This museum offers a comprehensive look into Penney's life and career, showcasing personal artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia. Visitors can view his original desks and even sit in his office chair.

The museum operates Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

Hamilton Missouri also celebrates its connection to Penney through annual events like J.C. Penney Days, fostering community spirit and honoring his enduring legacy.

Following the war like many small rural communtities, Hamilton prospered with a surging agricultural economy while the town businesses closed and storefronts sat empty. 

In recent years, Hamilton has experienced a remarkable transformation thanks to the Missouri Star Quilt Company, founded in 2008 by Jenny Doan and her family.

MSQC began with one long arm quilting machine and two bolts of fabric, it has become the largest vendor of pre-cut fabric in the world. Now known as the 'Disneyland of Quilting", Hamilton MO is the home to 13 different quilt shops. Visitors from around the world travel to Hamilton specifically for the quilting experience.

This business revitalized the town, drawing quilting enthusiasts from around the world and earning Hamilton the title of "Quilt Town, U.S.A." The company's success has fueled local tourism and economic growth, making the history of Hamilton MO an inspiring story of resilience, entrepreneurship, and community spirit.

Hamilton Missouri in also the home of the J.C. Penney Museum and Boyhood Home, the Northwest Missouri Steam and Engine Park and showgrounds, the Missouri Quilt Museum and the World's Tallest Spool of Thread. 

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