Callaway County is a county located in the U.S. state Missouri. The county's administrative center is the city of Fulton, which serves as the county seat. According to the 2010 United States Census the county had a population of 44,332. The county lies within the broader central-eastern part of the state and combines small urban centers with extensive rural areas.
History and name
The county was created in the early 19th century and takes its name from Captain James Callaway, a figure remembered locally and a grandson of the American frontiersman Daniel Boone. Over time the county developed as an agricultural and service community, with settlements growing around transportation routes and river crossings in the region.
Geography and economy
Callaway County's landscape is characterized by rolling farmland, wooded ridges and small river valleys. Agriculture—particularly row crops and livestock—remains an important part of the local economy, supplemented by light manufacturing, education, health care and energy production. The county includes both small towns and unincorporated communities that support regional services.
Notable sites and institutions
- Westminster College in Fulton, a private liberal arts college known for hosting Winston Churchill's 1946 "Iron Curtain" address, is a cultural and educational center.
- The Callaway Nuclear Generating Station, located within the county, is a major energy facility contributing to the regional power supply.
Local government is organized around a county commission and elected officials who oversee roads, public safety and other services. Visitors and residents value Callaway County for its blend of small-town character, historic sites, and natural scenery. For further local information and resources see county pages and regional guides here.