Galt, Missouri may be a small town, but it has a rich history that dates back several centuries. From battles to murders, from floods to tornadoes, the town has seen its fair share of events that have shaped its development. Below are seven historical events that took place near Galt, MO.

1. The Battle of Yellow Creek - 1815

The Battle of Yellow Creek took place on August 19, 1815, near what is now Galt, Missouri. This was the first battle of the Black Hawk War, and it was fought between the United States Army and a group of Sauk and Fox Indians. The battle resulted in a victory for the U.S. Army, and it paved the way for the eventual displacement of Native American tribes from the region.

2. The Railroad Comes to Galt - 1887

In 1887, the arrival of the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railroad in Galt revolutionized transportation in the region. The railway brought farmers closer to markets and allowed for faster transportation of goods and people. This event marked a turning point in the town's economic development, and it helped establish Galt as an important agricultural hub.

3. Galt is Founded - 1892

The town of Galt was founded in 1892, and it was named after a town of the same name in Ontario, Canada. The founders of the town were primarily German immigrants who came to the area in the late 1800s. The town grew rapidly in the early 1900s, and it soon became the largest town in Grundy County.

4. The Galt Tornado - 1906

On the evening of May 24, 1906, a massive tornado swept through Galt, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The tornado killed five people and destroyed much of the town, including almost all of the buildings in the city center. The storm caused over $500,000 in damages, which was a significant amount for the time.

5. The Murder of Frank Gillespie - 1922

In 1922, the town of Galt was shaken by the brutal murder of Frank Gillespie. Gillespie was a prominent local businessman, and his death shocked the community. The case went unsolved for several years until a local farmer was arrested and convicted of the crime. The murder of Frank Gillespie remains one of the most infamous crimes in Galt's history.

6. The Flood of 1935

In 1935, the Grand River flooded much of the surrounding area, including Galt. The floodwaters destroyed crops and homes, and they caused significant damage to the town's infrastructure. The flood of 1935 led to the construction of levees and drainage systems that helped prevent future floods.

7. The Great Depression

The Great Depression had a profound impact on Galt, just as it did on the rest of the country. The town's economy was largely based on agriculture, and the depression caused a significant decline in agricultural prices. Many farmers lost their livelihoods, and the town struggled to recover from the economic downturn.

In conclusion, Galt, Missouri may be a small town, but it has a fascinating history that has helped shape the region. From battles to tornadoes, from murders to floods, the town has experienced many significant events over the years. These events remind us of the importance of understanding and preserving our local history.