Callaway County, MO FAQs
What Causes Sinkholes In Callaway And Other 113 Counties In Missouri?
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), sinkholes are formed when water accumulates underground and there is no proper drainage system to remove them.
Over time, the water dissolves and erodes the bedrock, creating hollow spaces and caverns underground. This gradual process weakens the ground above until it eventually collapses, forming a sinkhole.
Currently, Missouri has around 16,000 documented sinkholes, including many in Callaway county.
What Is The Deepest Sinkhole In Entire Missouri?
Slaughter Sink is located in the vicinity of the small communities of Powellville and Clementine.
It’s a quarter-mile-long sinkhole that drops to approximately 175 feet, making it the deepest of the 16,000 reported sinkholes in Missouri.
The area around the sinkhole is characterized by the unique landscape formed by karst topography, commonly seen in states like Florida, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
What to Do if you Have a Sinkhole on your Property in Callaway County, MO?
If you suspect a sinkhole on your property, it’s essential to take immediate action to safeguard yourself and others from potential harm.
There are specific measures that you can take to ensure safety in such situations. The following steps are recommended when you come across a sinkhole in your yard or elsewhere in the house in Callaway County:
- Keep away
- Assess the severity (if it is deep or wide, contact building inspectors and vacate the house)
- Rope or fence off the area
- Contact an insurance company
- Consult with a soil testing or engineering company
- Monitor sinkhole for signs of growth
- Avoid dumping things into it
Is Callaway County, MO Safe to Live in?
Callaway County ranks in the 37th percentile for safety, with a crime rate of 40.07 per 1,000 residents. The residents of Callaway County generally consider the northwest part of the county to be the safest for housing and entertainment.
What’s the Cost of Living in Fulton, Kingdom City, Mokane, and Other Parts of Callaway County, MO?
Although the cost of living varies from city to city, the average living cost in Callaway County is 15.4% lower than the U.S. average.
What is the history of Callaway County, MO and what are its notable landmarks?
History of Callaway County, MO
- located in the central part of the state of Missouri, United States
- officially established on November 25, 1820
- named after Captain James Callaway, an early settler killed by Native Americans
- The county’s history is closely tied to the exploration, settlement, and development of the American frontier.
- originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage.
- European settlers, primarily of German, English, and Scotch-Irish descent, began arriving in the early 19th century. The county’s history includes the establishment of towns, the growth of agriculture and industry, and its participation in the American Civil War.
- During the Civil War, Callaway County experienced divided loyalties, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county witnessed guerrilla warfare, skirmishes, and military activities. Notable events include the Battle of Moore’s Mill in July 1862.
Notable landmarks in Callaway County, Missouri, include:
- Fulton: The county seat and largest city in Callaway County, Fulton has a rich history and serves as a commercial, educational, and cultural hub. The city is home to several notable landmarks and institutions.
- Westminster College: Located in Fulton, Westminster College is a private liberal arts college known for its historic campus and its association with Winston Churchill’s famous “Iron Curtain” speech in 1946. The college hosts the National Churchill Museum, which displays artifacts and exhibits related to Churchill and the Cold War.
- Missouri School for the Deaf: Also situated in Fulton, the Missouri School for the Deaf is one of the oldest schools for the deaf in the United States. The campus includes historic buildings and offers tours that showcase the school’s history and the educational programs it provides.
- Churchill Memorial: The Churchill Memorial is part of Westminster College and commemorates Winston Churchill’s visit and speech in Fulton. The memorial includes the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Aldermanbury, a 17th-century English church that was relocated to Fulton and reconstructed on the college campus.
- Auxvasse Creek Recreational Area: This recreational area offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and camping. It is located near the town of Auxvasse in Callaway County.
What are the recreational activities available in Callaway County, MO?
Here are some popular options:
- Outdoor Recreation: The county’s natural landscapes provide opportunities for outdoor activities. Mark Twain National Forest, located partly in Callaway County, offers hiking trails, camping, and wildlife viewing. The county also has parks, conservation areas, and recreational sites where visitors can enjoy picnicking, fishing, boating, and nature observation.
- Water Recreation: Callaway County is home to several lakes, rivers, and streams that are suitable for water-based activities. The Missouri River runs along the county’s eastern border, providing opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Local lakes such as Auxvasse Creek Recreational Area and Little Dixie Lake Conservation Area offer additional options for fishing and boating.
- Hunting and Fishing: The county’s abundant forests, fields, and waterways make it a popular destination for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Hunting opportunities include deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl. Anglers can cast their lines for bass, catfish, crappie, and other fish species in the county’s lakes, rivers, and streams.
- Golf: Callaway County has golf courses where players of all skill levels can enjoy a round of golf. Golfers can tee off at courses such as Tanglewood Golf Course in Fulton and Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield.
- Parks and Recreation Facilities: Callaway County has parks and recreation facilities that cater to various interests. These parks offer amenities such as sports fields, playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas. Visitors can engage in activities such as baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball.
- Festivals and Events: Callaway County hosts various festivals and events throughout the year. The Fulton Street Fair, which takes place in downtown Fulton, is a popular event featuring live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities.
- Historical Exploration: Exploring the county’s history can be a recreational activity in itself. Visitors can tour the National Churchill Museum and learn about Winston Churchill’s historic visit to Fulton. They can also visit the Missouri School for the Deaf campus and explore its historic buildings and grounds.
