Gasconade County, Missouri

When Missouri was admitted as the 24th state in 1821, Gasconade County was one of only 25 Missouri counties. Today, the county is only 15 miles wide, and has more than 15,000 residents.

The first county seat was Gasconade City, a site selected by Daniel M. Boone, son of the famous pioneer, and one of the Commissioners of the Territorial Legislature. Boone was also one of the first justices of the Gasconade County Court. However, Gasconade City was located near the mouth of the Gasconade River, which frequently flooded the town. After several floods, the county seat was moved to Bartonville also near the river. Flooding continued, and the county seat was moved up to Mt. Sterling, where it remained until 1842, when by a countywide vote it was moved to what is now the county's largest town, Hermann. Other towns are Owensville, Bland, Rosebud, Gasconade, and Morrison.

Top employers include GenCorp, Inc. (Berger); AMF Billiards and Games (Bland); Pretium Packaging and Stone Hill Wine Co. (Hermann); Von Hoffman Graphics (Owensville); Gasconade County Government; Gasconade County Schools; Hermann Area District Hospital; City of Hermann; City of Owensville; and Finale Intl. Tool, Inc. (Rosebud).

Like much of Missouri, Gasconade County has its share of natural beauty, well preserved and protected in the form of state parks. Among its most popular attractions are Helds Island Access; the Hermann Historic Museum; Lost Valley Lake; Mint Spring Conservation Area; Canaan Conservation Area, and the Fredericksburg Ferry Access. Also scattered throughout the county is an assortment of wineries and antique shops.

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