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NORTH
MISSOURI
Comprising
that part of the State lying north of the Missouri river, has an
area of 20,000 square miles. Its population, by the last census,
is nearly 750,000, showing an increase of nearly 30 per cent.
since 1860. The climate is mild, the latitude being the same as
that of Virginia and Maryland. There is scarcely a waste acre in
all the lands of this region. There are fine timber lands,
excellent farms and pasturage. All kinds of grain and fruits, as
well as hemp and tobacco, are produced. The country is well
watered by the numerous streams and tributaries emptying into the
Mississippi and Missouri rivers. - All the choicest varieties of
fruit-peaches, pears, plums, and grapes-do well. Stock and
wool-growing has become a large and profitable business. During
the past few years much attention has been given to wheat, and the
average yield and quality has been found superior to that of most
States. The advantages of each locality will be noted at length in
our description of counties and towns. There are 44 counties in
North Missouri. It is our purpose to speak of those more
particularly which lie along the line of the railroad and its
branches, but we append a table showing the population, increase,
and taxable valuation of all the counties:
In
the above table the counties having railroad facilities are marked
with a star. Those through which the North Missouri railroad
passes are in italics. It is noticeable that the increase of
population has been much greater in the counties having railroads,
and the taxable valuation is also much higher.
Some
of the counties show a wonderful increase in population. St. Louis
county has gained nearly 100,000 in ten years; of this fully
75,000 have been added since the spring of 1864. In fact, all the
gain in population in Missouri has been made since the war. The
population of 1864 was not greater, and was in many cases less,
than that of 1860. In the past five years, then, Adair county has
more than doubled its population. So has Audrain. Boone has gained
nearly 11,000; Carroll, 7,300; Chariton, 10,000; Clay, 6,000;
Macon, 6,300; Montgomery, 7,000; Randolph, 6,100; Ray, 9,000; St.
Charles, 5,650; and Warren, 1,200. Some of them have more than
doubled, and the most have increased their population fully
one-third in five years. These twelve counties are intersected by
the North Missouri railroad, and are described at length in the
body of this pamphlet.
THE
NORTH MISSOURI RAILROAD
Extends
from St. Louis to Kansas City, on the west, and to Bloomfield,
Iowa, on the north. It is operated in three divisions, as follows:
Eastern
Division (St. Louis to Moberly Junction)..............145 miles.
Western
Division (Moberly Junction to Kansas City)........127 "
Northern
Division (Moberly Junction to Bloomfield) .........112 "
At
Centralia, one hundred and twenty-one miles north of St. Louis, is
the junction of the Boone County and Jefferson City railroad,
extending to Columbia, 22 miles. It is operated by this company.
At Lexington Junction, on the Western Division, the St. Louis and
St. Joseph railroad branches off, making the whole number of miles
under the management of this company 426. The Eastern Division
passes through the counties of St. Louis, St. Charles, Warren,
Montgomery, and Audrain, and contains 27 regular stations, of
which 16 are telegraph stations. There is one mail, two express,
and three regular. freight trains, daily, each way, over this
division of the road.
The
Western Division passes through the counties of Randolph,
Chariton, Carroll, Ray, and Clay. The stations are 18 in number,
with the same train facilities as the Eastern Division. The
Northern Division passes through the counties of Macon, Adair, and
Schuyler, Missouri; and Davis, Iowa. The stations are Cairo,
Jacksonville, Macon, Atlanta, LaPlata, Kirksville, Subletts,
Greentop, Glenwood, Queen City, Coatesville, Moulton, West Grove,
and Bloomfield. The stations on the Boone County and Jefferson
City railroad, more familiarly known as the Columbia Branch, are
Stephens, Hickman, and Columbia. A telegraph line is in operation
along the entire road and branches, and there are offices at most
of the stations.
EXTENSIONS
OF THE NORTH MISSOURI RAILROAD
The St.
Louis, Chillicothe and Omaha railroad will be virtually an
extension of the North Missouri railroad, beginning at Brunswick,
on the Western Division, and thence an almost airline route
through the counties of Livingston, Daviess, Harrison, Gentry,
Worth, and Nodaway, Missouri; and Taylor, Page, Montgomery, and
Mills, Iowa, to Omaha. The distance by this route between St.
Louis and Omaha will be 397 miles, 103 miles shorter than the line
from Chicago to Omaha. This railroad is already graded between
Brunswick and Chillicothe, 35 miles. There are, in all, 175 miles
to be built; and county and individual subscriptions are pledged
to such an extent that the road is quite sure to be completed and
open to travel during the year 1870. The St. Louis and St. Joseph
railroad will be another extension, reaching from Lexington, on
the Western Division, through Ray, Clinton, and Buchanan counties.
Enough money has been raised to secure the building of this road
during the present season. There are but 40 miles to be completed;
grading is going on rapidly, and the iron is already purchased.
Cars will probably be running over this route by the spring of
1870. The distance between St. Louis and St. Joseph will be 300
miles, making it the shortest route between the two cities. The
St. Louis and Cedar Rapids railroad is an extension the Northern
Division, now completed to Bloomfield, Iowa. During the present
year it will be built to Ottumwa, where connections will be made
with the Burlington, Missouri River and Des Moines Valley
railroad. Plans are now in progress by which the road will be
extended to Cedar Rapids, there to connect with the proposed
airline to St. Paul. The distance between St. Louis and Des
Moines, by this road, will be 355 miles; to Cedar Rapids, 358
miles; to St. Paul, 582 miles; 147 miles shorter than the Chicago
route.
CONNECTIONS
OF THE NORTH MISSOUR
At
St. Louis close connections are made with the morning and
afternoon trains to and from the East, North, and South, over the
Indianapolis and St. Louis, Chicago and Alton, Ohio and
Mississippi, St. Louis, Vandalia and Terre Haute, and St. Louis,
Iron Mountain and Southern railroads. Busses are in waiting at all
trains, to convey passengers from all the roads terminating in
East St. Louis to the depot of the North Missouri Railroad
Company. Parties arriving by the railroads and steam- boats will
find gentlemanly and obliging agents of this company ready to give
all the desired information. The St. Louis and Iron Mountain
railroad has been finished to Columbus, on the Mobile and Ohio
railroad, forming a new and important connection between the North
Missouri and all southern points. At the western terminus of the
road direct connections are made with the Kansas Pacific railway
(formerly known as the Union Pacific, Eastern Division) for
Lawrence, Topeka, Fort Hays, Sheridan, and thence by overland
daily stages for Denver, Salt Lake, etc.; also, the Missouri
River, Fort Scott, and Gulf railroads, making the shortest line
from St. Louis to all points in Kansas. At Harlem, opposite Kansas
City, direct connections are made with the Missouri Valley
railroad for Leavenworth, Atchison, St. Joseph, and thence via
Council Bluffs and St. Joseph railroad for Nebraska City, Council
Bluffs, and Omaha; at Omaha, with the Union Pacific railroad for
Cheyenne, Ogden, and California. At Macon connections are made
with the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad for Brookfield,
Chillicothe, St. Joseph; and thence, via Council Bluffs and St.
Joseph railroad, for Omaha; and at Omaha with the great Pacific
railroad, for California. This is the direct route to Omaha, over
which Pullman's palace cars are running, from St. Louis to Omaha
without change.
NEW
CONNECTIONS IN PROGRESS
The
Hannibal and Moberly, and Hannibal and Naples railroads, now in
course of construction, will form the link to a new and important
route between the East and the West via North Missouri; Toledo,
Wabash and Western; Lake Shore and New York Central line. The
distances by this new road will be as follows:
Kansas
City to Moberly ......127 miles.
Moberly
to Hannibal ………….
70 "
Hannibal
to Naples ............ 44 "
total
. ........... 241
miles.
Another
proposed connection with Eastern roads is from Moberly to Pana, on
Indianapolis and St. Louis railroad, via Louisiana. The distances
would be as follows: Kansas City to Moberly .... ..... 127 miles.
Moberly
to Pana ................. . 108
Kansas
City to Pana ...............807
The
St. Louis, Chillicothe and Des Moines railroad, passing through
Livingston, Grundy, and Mercer counties, Missouri, and Decatur,
Clarke, and Warren counties, Iowa, is likely to be built during
the coming year. 50 miles are now under contract. The Louisiana
and Missouri River railroad, intersecting the North Missouri at
Mexico, and passing through the counties of Pike, Audrain, Boone,
and Howard, is now being graded. The St. Louis and Keokuk railroad
has been surveyed via two routes-one following the river through
the counties of Clarke, Lewis, Marion, Ralls, Pike, and Lincoln,
forming a junction with the North Missouri at Wentzville, in St.
Charles county; and the other through Clarke, Lewis, Knox, Shelby,
and Macon counties to Macon, thence via North Missouri to St.
Louis. The Central railroad company, of Iowa, is incorporated
under the general railroad law of that State, with ample power to
construct a railroad from its southern to its northern boundary.
The company is a consolidation of the Iowa Central and the Iowa
River companies, which have been united to make a single through
line from St. Louis to St. Paul. These companies have been in
existence several years, and have already expended nearly a
million and a half of dollars. They have transferred, by deed, to
the new company, the 45 miles of road already finished, and all
grading and other work in progress, receiving an even exchange of
securities in full payment. This through line is formed by a
connection with the North Missouri railroad, now finished to the
southern boundary of the State-230 miles-and with the St. Paul and
Milwaukee, now finished within 12 miles of the northern
boundary-105 miles. The situation of the line will be best
understood by the following table of distances:
Of
this distance, 380 miles are in operation, and but 130 miles
remain to be graded. By the west line, from St. Paul to Mankato,
the St. Paul and Sioux City railroad company proposes to complete
a road to the north line of Iowa, whenever the Central company
shall think it proper to extend a branch in that direction. The
Central company of Iowa, however, will first complete the 118
miles now in progress from the Missouri State line to
Marshalltown. As but 58 miles remain to be graded, and a large
force is at work, there is no doubt that this will be done in
season to move next year's crops. By using 40 miles of the Dubuque
and Sioux City road, THIS WILL AT ONCE MAKE THE RAILROAD
CONNECTION OF ST. Louis WITH ST. PAUL COMPLETE, and accommodate
the through travel between those two large cities, making the
distance 626 miles, instead of 729 miles, by which it is now
necessary to travel from one city to the other, by rail. The
direct through connection of 582 miles may be made at the same
time, and certainly within a few months thereafter.
THE
ENTERPRISE IN NORTH MISSOURI
There
are now nearly 1,900 miles of completed railroad in this part of
the State, of which 250 was laid during the past twelve months. Of
the 44 counties, 25 are intersected by railroads. The roads now
under construction will reach 11 more, making. 36 counties out of
the 44 enjoying railroad facilities. This speaks volumes for the
energy of the people, and is a sure augury for the growth and
prosperity of Northern Missouri.
DESCRIPTION
OF COnTIES AND TOWNS
Having
sketched the general advantages of Northern Missouri, we now come
to a description of the counties and towns bordering the line of
the North Missouri railroad and its branches. It is believed that
the statements are reliable, and the writer owes most of the facts
here brought out to the kindly assistance of members of the press
and other residents of the different counties.
DESCRIPTION
OF THE COUNTIES AND TOWNS ALONG THE LINE OF THE NORTH MISSOURI
RAILROAD
ST.
LOUIS COUNTY. This county has an area of 500 square miles. The
population, according to a census made early in 1868, was 241,071,
an increase of 30 per cent. in four years. During the past year
the ratio of increase has been much greater, and the population is
set down by good authority at 260,000. Valuation of property for
taxes, $170,884,590. The colored population of the county is
11,841. Besides the city of St. Louis, the stations along the line
of the North Missouri railroad, in this county, are Bellefontaine,
Jennings, Woodstock, Ferguson, Graham's, Bridgeton, Bonfils and
Brotherton. We shall speak of St. Louis more particularly with
reference to its advantages as a market for producers and
shippers, and the
facilities which the railroad affords in this matter. We shall
speak of the stations in the county as points for suburban
residences and " gardening for profit."
ST.
LOUIS. -The population of the city is estimated in round numbers
at 250,000, an increase of nearly 100,000 in ten years. Valuation
of property, $162,000,000. Number of buildings erected last year;
value, $ . Business of 1868, . Number of bushels of grain received
and distributed during the year, 11,415,551. Amount of flour
manufactured, 895,154 barrels. Hogs packed and sold, 237,160. The
track of the North Missouri railroad has been extended to the
elevator, and grain in bulk is now shipped from all points on the
road direct to the elevator, where it is easily handled for
storage or reshipment.
SUBURBAN
TOWNS
BELLEFONTAINE,
four miles from St. Louis, is scarcely outside the city limits, it
being a continuation of the streets; and so closely connected by
railroad, street cars and omnibus lines, that one is always in
sight of his business. Bellefontaine cemetery, one of the finest
in the West, is situated on the high ridge above the town.
JENNINGS, six miles from the city, has more the appearance of
country life. It has fine, rolling grounds, excellent sites for
mansions and gardens. The grounds are considered very choice for
grapes, and several fine vineyards are growing up. Land sells at
about $400 per acre, and is increasing in value. The railroad
company sells round trip, ten-ride, twenty-ride, and other
commutation tickets, very low to this point. Monthly school
tickets are also issued.
FERGUSON,
nine and a half miles from the city, has the same advantages as
Jennings. There are fine buildings sites, the grounds are
excellent for grapes and gardening, commutation rates are low. The
groves about Ferguson are a frequent resort for pleasure parties
and picnics from the city during the summer season. There are
frequent sales of building lots in Meadville subdivision and
Woodstock, and the growth of the city has now such a tendency
outward that a few years may find the whole space between Jennings
and Ferguson taken up with villas, graperies and gardens.
GRAHAM'S,
eleven and a half miles; Bridgeton, thirteen and a half miles; and
Bonfils, seventeen miles from St. Louis, all offer good advantages
to business men who prefer to reside in the country; and for
parties who wish to engage in fancy farming, there are few places
so convenient and so well adapted to the business.
ST.
CHARLES COUNTY
ST.
CHARLES COUNTY has an area of about 420 miles. The population in
1860 was 14,370. It is now estimated at 20,000. The county
contains some of the best farm lands in the State. It is well
timbered. Coal, limestone and sandstone are found. The county is
almost completely surrounded by the windings of the Missouri and
Mississippi rivers. The towns on the railroad in this county are:
St. Charles, Dardenne, O'Fallon, Perruque, Gilmore, Wentzville and
Millville. ST. CHARLES, twenty miles from St. Louis, is the county
seat. It is an incorporated city, one of the oldest in the State,
and has a population of about 6,000. The city is situated on high
ground, is well laid out, and contains some very costly residences
and business blocks. The machine shops and a part of the car works
of the company are located here. Many of the train men and other
employees reside here. The iron railroad bridge now being built
across the Missouri at this point gives employment to a large
force of laborers. It is expected to be finished during the
present fall. The trains are now ferried over by powerful steam
ferry-boats, occupying but a few moments. Manufacturers will find
St. Charles a good location. The city itself and surrounding
country depend, in a great measure, upon this market. The farmers
of the neighborhood are able to dispose of their products at good
prices without going to St. Louis. The population of St. Charles
is American and German. There are ten churches, representing
Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, and Catholic
denominations. There is an academy, seminary, three private and a
well organized system of public schools. The business interests of
the city are represented, in part, by a banking house, eighteen
dry goods, ten grocery, one hardware, two drug, five clothing,'
two jewelry, and four cigar stores; two furniture, two millinery,
and three tin stores; three bakeries, two confectioneries, two
dress-makers, three gun- smiths, two harness-makers, two livery
stables, four barber shops. The manufacturing" interests are
represented by eight carpenter shops, five wagon-makers, seven
blacksmiths, five flour mills, one foundry, two woolen mills, one
broom factory, a tobacco factory, three breweries, four brick
yards, two lime kilns, a saw mill The professions are represented
by fifteen clergymen, twelve lawyers, seven doctors, a dentist,
two music teachers. There are two newspapers, the Cosmos and
Sentinel and the Democrat, the latter printed in German. The
amount of money collected on freight forwarded from this station
last year was $46,546 25. There are two regular accommodation
trains daily between St. Charles and St. Louis, which, in addition
to the two through express trains, makes communication between the
two cities especially convenient. Twenty- ride tickets can be
purchased at a reduction of sixty per cent from the regular rate.
DARDENNE,
twenty-nine miles from St. Louis, is a small town, containing four
stores, a hotel, steam saw mill, and some valuable quarries. Fruit
does well in the vicinity, and considerable attention is paid to
it. There are excellent farms. Wheat and corn are the principal
staples. Stock-raising is carried on to a considerable extent.
O'FALLON, thirty-three miles from St. Louis, is a small town,
first settled in 1857. It has a population of about 100. It has
two dry goods and a grocery store, a hotel, boarding house, steam
flour mill, brick yard, broom factory, depot and stock yard, post
office and express office. Farmers do well here, and there is a
good chance for all kinds of manufacturers. PERUQUE, thirty-seven
miles from St. Louis, is a station convenient for the farmers
through the township. No town has yet been built up. There is a
dry goods and grocery store at the depot. There is an excellent
opportunity for a party of settlers to come in and colonize the
town. Lands sell low, and are of good quality. The same may be
said of Gilmore, a station three miles further west. WENTZVILLE,
forty-three miles from St. Louis, was settled in 1855. It has a
population of about 500, a gain of 250 since 1867. It contains a
church, a flourishing academy, and a Masonic hall, one of the best
in the State. The professions are represented by a minister, an
editor, five doctors, two lawyers, a dentist, and two notaries.
The trades are represented by a grocery, a drug store, four dry
goods stores, two clothing stores, two tailor shops, three boot
and shoe stores, one saddlery, one carriage and harness shop, one
wagon shop, a carriage and a cooper shop, a carpenter shop, two
blacksmith shops, a brick yard, a large steam saw and grist mill,
a carding machine, tinman, milliner, and photograph gallery. There
are three hotels, a boarding house, five insurance agents, a war
claim agent, and a justice of the peace. W. S. Bryan, Esq., editor
of the Wentzville News, to whom we are indebted for much
information, adds the following, of importance to emigrants: We
need one or two tobacco factories, a grain and produce merchant, a
pork factory, some one to buy and manufacture hay (the press is
already here, and in good running order), several more insurance
agents, and just as many emigrants as we can get. Town lots are
worth from one hundred and fifty to one thousand dollars each, and
money invested in buildings will bring from twelve to fifteen per
cent. interest. Our greatest want is farmers and stock-raisers.
Land is worth from twenty to fifty dollars per acre, is very rich,
and will produce all kinds of grain, grasses, and seeds. Rents
range from two to three dollars per acre, or one-third of the crop
produced. There is room for one thousand more farmers in this
county. Wentzville will probably be the junction of the St. Louis
and Keokuk railroad with the North Missouri. |
