Barry County, Missouri is located in the southwestern corner of the state. It is bordered by McDonald and Newton counties to the north, Stone and Taney counties to the east, Lawrence and Greene counties to the south, and Barry and Stone counties to the west. It has an area of 576 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in Missouri. The landscape of Barry County is mostly rural with rolling hills and valleys. The northern part of the county is mostly wooded with oak-hickory forests while the southern part is more open farmland. The White River runs through Barry County from northwest to southeast, cutting through some of its most beautiful scenery. There are several smaller creeks and streams flowing through as well. The elevation ranges from around 600 feet in the northwest corner to 1,000 feet in some parts of the southeastern corner. Overall, Barry County has a diverse topography that provides plenty of recreational opportunities such as camping, fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, horseback riding, ATVing or simply enjoying nature’s beauty from a distance.
Country seat and other main cities of Barry County, Missouri
The county seat of Barry County, Missouri is Cassville, located in the northwest corner of the county. It is the largest city in the county with a population of around 3,400 people and serves as a trade center for the surrounding area. The city was founded in 1845 and is known for its historic downtown district which includes many 19th-century buildings. Cassville is home to annual festivals such as the Ozark Jammin’ Music Festival and the Annual Barry County Fair. According to COUNTRYAAH, other cities in Barry County include Washburn, Monett, Seligman, Shell Knob, Purdy, Wheaton, and Exeter. Washburn is located on the White River near Roaring River State Park and has a population of around 1,000 people. Monett is located just east of Cassville in the center of Barry County and has a population of 8,000 people. Seligman is located in the northeast corner of Barry County and has a population of around 700 people. Shell Knob is located on Table Rock Lake near Mark Twain National Forest and has a population of 1,200 people. Purdy is located southwest of Cassville along Highway 37 and has a population of 1,200 people. Wheaton lies east of Washburn on Highway 76 with a population around 500 people while Exeter lies south along Highway 76 with a population around 200 people. Overall, there are several small towns within Barry County that provide local services to its residents as well as contribute to its rural charm.
History of Barry County, Missouri
Barry County, Missouri has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was originally part of Greene County before being established in 1835. It is named after William Taylor Barry, a Kentucky senator and United States Postmaster General. During the Civil War, Barry County was a major battleground for both Union and Confederate forces with several battles fought in the county. After the war, the county’s economy shifted from primarily agricultural to timber and mining with towns such as Washburn and Monett becoming important trade centers. In the late 19th century, railroads began to connect many of these towns which further increased their importance as commercial centers.
In the early 20th century, Barry County experienced an oil boom which led to an influx of settlers and businesses into the area. This boom eventually ended but left behind a lasting legacy including several historic sites such as Roaring River State Park which was established in 1924. The area also became known for its tourism industry with many visitors coming to explore Table Rock Lake and Mark Twain National Forest each year. Today, Barry County continues to be an important part of Missouri’s economy with its agricultural production and tourism industry providing many jobs for local residents.
Economy of Barry County, Missouri
Barry County, Missouri has a diverse economy that is driven by agriculture, timber and tourism. Agriculture has long been an important part of the county’s economy and is still a major contributor today. Crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat and hay are all grown in the area which provides employment for many locals. In addition to crop production, livestock such as cattle and poultry are also raised in the county.
Timber is another important industry in Barry County with several sawmills located throughout the region. Logging operations have been an important source of income for many locals since the 19th century and continues to be so today. The abundance of natural resources also makes Barry County an ideal location for outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, camping and hiking which provides another source of income for locals through tourism.
In recent years, Barry County has experienced a growth in its service sector with many new businesses being established in the area to cater to tourists visiting Table Rock Lake and Mark Twain National Forest each year. These businesses provide employment opportunities for local residents while helping to stimulate economic growth in the county. Overall, Barry County’s economy is diverse and provides many opportunities for both residents and visitors alike.