Washington County—whose largest city is Potosi—was established. The county has more than 10 times the population it did then, with a population topping more than 25,000.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.