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McDonald County is located in the southwestern corner of Missouri, and it has a rich history that many people may not be aware of. Here are seven interesting facts about McDonald County's history:
1. The county was named after a governor. McDonald County was named after Missouri's former governor, John S. McDonald, who served from 1869 to 1871. McDonald was a Union Army veteran and a state senator before he became governor.
2. It was once part of Indian Territory. Before Missouri became a state, McDonald County was part of Indian Territory. The area was home to many Native American tribes, including the Osage, Cherokee, and Delaware.
3. It was almost part of Arkansas. When Missouri became a state in 1821, McDonald County was part of Crawford County, which included most of the southwestern part of the state. At the time, there was a proposal to make McDonald County part of Arkansas, but it was never implemented.
4. It was a popular spot for bootleggers. During Prohibition, McDonald County was a popular spot for bootleggers who made and sold illegal alcohol. The county borders Oklahoma, which did not have Prohibition laws, so bootleggers could easily transport their products across state lines.
5. It was once the site of a large mining operation. In the early 1900s, lead and zinc were discovered in McDonald County, and a large mining operation began. At its peak, the mine employed over 2,000 people and produced millions of pounds of metal.
6. It has a rich Civil War history. McDonald County was heavily involved in the Civil War, with battles and skirmishes taking place in the area. One notable battle was the Battle of Newtonia, which took place in 1862. Confederate forces won the battle, but Union troops eventually drove them out of the area.
7. It was home to one of the largest migrant camps during the Great Depression. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, the federal government established migrant camps to provide housing and work for unemployed Americans. One of the largest of these camps was located in McDonald County, and it housed over 3,000 people at its peak.
Overall, McDonald County has a fascinating history that spans centuries and includes a variety of notable events and figures. Whether you're a history buff or just curious about the area, there's plenty to discover in this corner of Missouri.
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