Hartville was settled at Wood’s Fork on the Gasconade River in 1832, and named for Isaac Hart, who contributed the land for the site. Most of the town was destroyed during the Battle of Hartville on January 11, 1863, during the Civil War. Confederate Colonel Joseph C. Porter led his Missouri Cavalry Brigade from Arkansas to assault Union troops that were holding Hartville, and succeeded in occupying the town. Porter moved on to assault other Union installations in the area before joining Confederate General John S. Marmaduke east of Marshfield. Meanwhile, Union Colonel Samuel Merrill arrived in Hartville, discovering that the Union garrison there had surrendered. With a larger force of Union troops, he set out after the Confederates, who pushed the Union troops back to Hartville, where they established a defense line. Although the four hour battle resulted in a Confederate victory, they had suffered too many casualties, and were forced to abandon their campaign in Missouri, returning to Arkansas. Hartville is the county seat of Wright County, Missouri. Missouri Highway 5 passes through the town, south of Boyer, west of Latham Mill, northwest of Owens, and east of Odin. The Mark Twain National Forest is northeast, southeast, and southwest of Hartville.
Recommended Resources
The National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program presents a synopsis of the Civil War battle which occurred in Hartville, Missouri between Confederate and Union troops on January 11, 1863. The information provided includes its location, the campaign, dates, principal commanders and forces, estimated casualties, and a description of the battle.
http://www.nps.gov/abpp/battles/mo019.htm
Hartville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is a non-profit organization representing businesses and individuals from Hartville and the surrounding region, including Grovespring, Norwood, and Manes. A member directory, meeting schedules, and an overview of its projects and events. The area history is also related.
http://www.hartvilleareacc.com/
Located on Rolla Street, the Hartville, Missouri facility offers long-term care placement. Information about residential transportation is given, and a tour may be scheduled through the site, along with an overview of its services and a calendar of events.
http://www.hartvillecarecenter.com/
Headquartered in Hartville, the feed store has several dealerships in Missouri, which are shown on a map, along with an overview of its products, prices, quality control programs, and contacts. Information about becoming a dealer is also available.
http://www.hartvillefeed.com/
Hartville Free Will Baptist Church
Founded in 1916, the Hartville FWB is located off of Highway 5 on Z Highway. Sunday School, Bible classes, and worship schedules are featured, along with directions, leadership contacts, and a sermon archive.
http://www.hartvillefwbchurch.com/
Hartville R-II School District
Headquartered in Hartville, Missouri, the public school system offers a PK-12th grade curriculum through Hartville Preschool, Hartville Elementary School, Grovespring Elementary School, Hartville Junior High School, and Hartville High School, each of which are highlighted here, with schedules, menus, and contacts.
http://new.hartville.k12.mo.us/
