Neosho, MO

Neosho, the county seat of Newton County since 1839, with a population about 12,000, is located on the western edge of the Missouri Ozarks. The name, Ne-o-zho or Ne-u-zhu, is of Indian derivation meaning "clear or abundant water." The 9 springs within the city limits played an important part in the town's early development. Clear springs still flow through Neosho, especially at Big Spring Park, just 3 blocks west of the square, where 890,000 gallons of water gush from the hillside each day. The park was once the site of Indian trading grounds and later a campground for Civil War troops.

One of 9 springs throughout the city

The area was first settled in the early 19th century, primarily a Scotch-Irish community, soon joined by immigrants from Germany, France, and Switzerland. 

Under the Missouri Compromise, Missouri entered the Union as a slave state. Neosho residents were divided in their loyalties, though leaned pro-Southern. Pro-Southern Missouri Governor Claiborne Jackson was forced to evacuate the State Capitol by federal troops. Following battlefield victories by the Missouri State Guard and the Confederate forces at Carthage and Wilson's Creek, Jackson convened a special meeting of the elected legislature in the Masonic Hall in Neosho. This meeting was short of a quorum, so the legislature met again 3 days later in Cassville and voted to secede from the Union. Although no major battles were fought in Neosho, much of the downtown area was burned in 1863.

Several rail lines found their way to Neosho. The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (A&P) reached Neosho in 1870, evenetually becoming the San Francisco and St Louis railroad (Frisco). In 1887, the Kansas City/Fort Smith and Southern Railroad entered Neosho. This railroad was eventually sold to the Kansas City Southern Railroad (KCS) and still runs through Neosho today. The Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad ran from the Arkansas resort town of Eureka Springs to Neosho where it connected with the Frisco and Kansas City Southern tracks in 1908.

Neosho’s National Fish Hatchery, which dates to 1888, is the oldest federal hatchery still in operation. During World War II, Camp Crowder was built to train members of the US Army Signal Corps. Camp Crowder was deactivated in 1958.

George Washington Carver, famed scientist/botanist, was born near Neosho and received his early schooling in the city. 

City photo - it was pouring down rain when I drove thru the park!

Known as the "Flower Box City," today, residents are still proud of the fact that, in 1957, Neosho was one of 11 cities in the nation to receive the National Municipal League and Look Magazine All-America City award for outstanding civic effort. Also, in 1978, Neosho was one of 4 cities in the state receiving the All-Missouri Certified City Award. Driving through town, you can see the pride the citizens take in their home.