Named for US Senator Charles Sumner, the small city of Sumner is in Chariton County, Missouri. Situated along the Grand River, the area was explored by two sons of Daniel Boone and Thomas Stanly prior to Missouri becoming a state in 1821. Later, Stanley built a trading post near the future townsite, but not much else was built there for several years, largely due to frequent flooding of the river and the marshlands that were in the area. The first settlement there was known as Crossland, and a larger village named Cunningham was about one mile away. However, when the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad came through the area and the Wabash Railroad decided to move its depot from Cunningham to Sumner, the other village was gradually absorbed. Sumner was laid out in 1882 and before long, the town had a hotel and a newspaper. The wetlands around Sumner were drained in 1911, after which much of its wildlife was reduced drastically. Then, in 1937, the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established just south of town, creating man-made wetlands that have attracted large number of geese, given the area is located on a migratory flyway. In 1976, city residents commissioned a sculptor to create a large statue of a goose, which is billed as the “World’s Largest Goose.” and given the name of Maxie. The city is sometimes known as Cunningham, as the Township of Cunningham is located in Sumner. Surrounding communities include Bedford, Forker, Hake, Hale, Mendon, and Rothville.
 
 
Recommended Resources
The waterfowl lodge and guide service near Sumner, Missouri is featured, including biographical information about the owners and guides, an overview of the guest accommodations and lodges, package prices, reservation policies, contacts, and an online shopping area offering promotional apparel and other items.
http://www.habitatflats.com/
The Find A Grave site offers photographs of the cemetery and individual gravestones, a list of people interred at Sumner Cemetery, with dates of birth and death and other statistical information. Users of the site may upload additional information and photos for consideration.
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=31848&CScnty=1439&CSsr=61&
The weekend October event take place annually in Sumner, Missouri, offering a variety of events, including suppers, pie contests, a parade, and other contests. A schedule of events is featured, along with vendor information, committee contacts, and registration data.
http://www.goosefestival.com/
Situated on seven hundred acres in Sumner, Missouri, the bed and breakfast inn offers two suites and a room in the main house, as well as two suites in the carriage house. Photographs and descriptions of the farmhouse and guest accommodations are featured, along with its facilities for weddings and events.
http://www.innatcloverhill.com/