Butler, Missouri is the county seat of Bates County. Laid out in 1852, and named for William Orlando Butler, John C. Kennett was the first settler in the new town. When a large portion of Bates County was split off to form Vernon County in 1855, its county seat of Papinville was no longer near the geographical center of the county, so Butler was chosen to be the seat of government in 1856. Its brick courthouse was destroyed by arson, along with much of Butler’s downtown district, by a volunteer Kansas cavalry squad under orders to Colonel James Montgomery, a jayhawker working with the Union army. Butler was occupied for much of 1862, and in October of that year, the Union 1st Kansas Colored Volunteers and a scouting element from the 5th Kansas Volunteer Cavalry engaged Confederate troops in an area known as Hog Island, near Butler, marking the first time that African-American troops engaged Confederate forces during the Civil War. Butler, along with all of Bates County, Cass, Jackson, and Vernon, came under the controversial Order Number 11, which required the evacuation of all rural residents, regardless of their allegiance, or face imprisonment. When residents returned, the town and much of the county had been burned and looted by Union forces and their sympathizers. Butler was incorporated as a village in 1872, and a city in 1879.
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Recommended Resources
Bates County Historical Society and Museum
The non-profit organization works to preserve and make available the history of Bates County, in part through the museum that it operates in Butler, Missouri. The organization and museum are introduced, including its key exhibits, location, hours, and tour information.
http://www.batescountymuseum.org/
Bates County Memorial Hospital
Serving Bates County and the surrounding region, MCMH is a 60-bed acute care facility in Butler, Missouri. Its location, programs, services, health education resources, career information, and information for patients and visitors are put forward.
http://www.bcmhospital.com/
The organization’s membership policies, the benefits of membership, and a member directory are put forward, along with meeting schedules, a calendar of programs and events, and a guide to the Butler, Missouri region.
http://www.butlerchamber.com/
The full service library offers a large selection of media, including books, large-print books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, VHS, and genealogical research information. Its location, hours of operation, a calendar of events, and online resources are featured.
http://www.butlerpubliclibrary.org/
Located on West Dakota Street, in Butler, Missouri, the music shop carries a large quantity and selection of musical instruments and related products. Directions, hours of operation, and a catalog of its products are defined, and an online shopping area is included.
http://www.butlermusicstore.com/
The official municipal web site offers audit and financial statements, council meeting agendas and minutes, administrative and departmental contacts, and information about economic development incentives, a request for bids, and a variety of online services.
http://mo-butler.civiccities.com/
The real estate agency has offices in Butler, Missouri, specializing in the buying and selling of residential property in Butler and the surrounding region. Available properties are highlighted, the office location and hours are posted.
http://www.gloryrealty.com/
Broadcasting from Butler, Missouri, KMOE offers news, sports, weather information, obituaries, and community events. Its programming may be accessed through the site via live streaming, and contacts and schedules are posted.
http://921news.com/
Situated in Butler, Missouri, the living history farm and nature conservancy conducts programs to preserve the Bates County area’s past and to offer educational programs, restoration of the 1890s house, barns, and landscaping. Directions, a calendar of events, and information about its research programs are included.
http://www.poplarheightsfarm.org/
Offering news coverage for Linn County, Kansas, Bates and Barton counties in Missouri, and the surrounding region, The News Xpress is published in Butler, Missouri. Contacts, advertising, and subscription information is available online, although a subscription is required in order to access the news sections.
http://www.yourxgroup.com/
