Fayette was named for the Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War hero. Early in its history, Glasgow was a mecca of commercial activity, shipping vast quantities of hemp and tobacco.
Today, it ships large quantities of corn by river barge and rail line. Shipping by river is still possible because Glasgow is one of the few towns left with its commercial business district right on the riverbank. This is also the site of the world's first steel bridge built in 1879.
During the Civil War Glasgow's population was evenly split between Confederate and Union supporters. Early in the war it became a Confederate recruitment and training area. This caused the Union to send a force to run off the recruitment effort and occupy the town.
However, the Confederates returned with artillery and some 2,900 troops after being tipped off about a large ammunition cache stored in City Hall. A pitched battle lasted half a day and destroyed a large portion of the downtown and surrounding homes.
Bloody Bill Anderson and his gang rode into town a few days later and ransacked the community. The end of the war also meant the end of the labor-intensive agricultural based economy. In time, the agricultural basis changed to crops that could be handled mechanically.
On average, there are 192 sunny days per year in Howard County. The July high is around 90 degrees, while the January low temperature is around 18 degrees. Our comfort index is 32 out of 100. The area receives some 37 inches of rain per year. Snowfall is around 19 inches. The number of days with any measurable precipitation is 90.
Area attractions in the area include the Great Fayette Freeze Off, Music Festival and Art Show, the Labor Day/Boonslick Folk Festival, the Annual Missouri Chestnut Roast and more. Fall is one of the best times to visit Fayette and Glasgow. A vast selection of maples, oaks, and other beautiful trees blossom into brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows during the autumn months. Local points of interest also include the Glasgow Community Museum and Lewis Library.
Public elementary, middle and high schools in Fayette include Laurence J. Daly Elementary, William N. Clark Middle and Fayette High Schools. Glasgow High School, Howard County Elementary and St Mary's School round out secondary and elementary educational needs in Glasgow.
Nearby colleges and universities include the University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia College, Lincoln University, Truman State University and Central Missouri State University. There are also metropolitan community colleges at Lee's Summit and Kansas City.
Hospitals and medical centers near Fayette and Glasgow include Cooper County Memorial Hospital, Moberly Regional Medical Center, Rusk Rehabilitation Center, Cooper County Memorial Hospital and John Fitzgibbon Memorial Hospital.
If you'd rather be enjoying the great outdoors, head to D.C. Roger's Lake or Peter's Lake, where you will find camping and picnicking facilities, a frisbee-golf course, boat dock and boat ramps. The lakes provide fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill and carp. Fayette also has an outdoor swimming pool located in the city park. Glasgow maintains 2 public parks and a swimming pool. The first park, Stump Island Park, is located on the Missouri River just south of the Missouri River Bridge. Stump Island is the perfect RV spot in Glasgow, having 12 campsites with electric hookups, a modern bathhouse with hot showers and a newly renovated boat ramp with river access. Three large shelterhouses also grace this park originally named by the Lewis and Clark expedition and referred to in 1804 as "the island covered in stumps." Youth and adult recreation programs are available during the summer months and include softball and tennis. The second of the city parks, Kuemmel Park, offers rolling hills and a beautiful landscape. It's an excellent "getaway" whether you are a traveler or life-long resident.
Why not stop by United Country Missouri River Realty office today and tell us about what you're looking for in the way of real estate. We're here to serve you.