Welcome to Lafayette County
Heart of Missouri’s Old Trails Region
(From Odessa City Guide for 2017-2018. The 2019 version is in the works.)
(From Odessa City Guide for 2017-2018. The 2019 version is in the works.)
When you visit our county seat in Lexington, you will see a plaque describing our historic courthouse, built in 1847 and the oldest in continuous use east of the Mississippi River. It is known far and wide for the cannonball embedded in the upper left column, a remnant of the Civil War Battle of Lexington, fought September 18-20, 1861.
Rich in history, the old Santa Fe Trail wanders through Lafayette County where Lewis and Clark once camped and where Native Americans, explorers, traders and Civil War armies journeyed through this region.
Today, Lafayette County is an area rich with agricultural farming operations as well as orchards, produce farms and vineyards. Tourists looking for a day trip or weekend getaway destination will find wineries, produce vendors, farmers’ markets, unique shops, restaurants and bed-and breakfasts.
In addition to tourism, Lafayette County is a perfect destination for those interested in starting a small business or in entrepreneurial investment opportunities. We welcome inquiries and will be happy to help provide the economic and demographic information needed.
Lafayette County is blessed to have excellent public, private and technical schools, exceptional emergency services, airports serving small aircraft, city parks and aquatic centers, numerous sports and recreational facilities, five community newspapers and a variety of churches to meet the spiritual needs of our residents.
In Lafayette County, we have a strong volunteer spirit that can’t be matched as local residents work continuously for the betterment of their communities and county to improve the quality of life for all our citizens.
Whether you have lived here a long time or are just visiting, we are glad you are here and thank you for being a part of this area that is rich in history and heritage, agricultural bounty and economic promise.
Harold Hoflander
Presiding Commissioner
