When I think of the song that goes “Dear hearts and gentle people,” I think about Gallatin. In the early part of the 20th century, before paved highways made an assault on the face of rural America, thousands of towns looked similar to Gallatin, Missouri. Most had between 1,000 and 2,500 residents. Many were county seat towns, meaning they had courthouse squares.
Center of the City
Gallatin’s centerpiece is a limestone courthouse featuring a Seth Thomas hand-wound clock. The majestic timepiece often caught napping pigeons as its hands moved. This caused unpleasant work for the courthouse custodian. The courthouse lawn many years ago contained a Victorian style bandstand where the town band played Saturday night concerts. The ladies of the city decorated the area with Japanese lanterns among the trees. The spot was a favorite for ice cream socials.
When I was a child, however, the bandstand was gone. And the very occasional Saturday ice cream socials had moved to city hall a half block off the square. The town band was gone, but the high school band provided occasional entertainment. In those days stores around the town square were open on Saturday night. You see, that’s when the farmers traditionally came to town, and it was a fun time for children and adults alike.
Brief Gallatin History
Gallatin was established in 1837, named for Albert Gallatin, who served as Secretary of the Treasury under both Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. He was severely conservative by nature. The fact that the settlers of Gallatin selected him as its namesake perhaps shaped many decisions made by subsequent leaders. Perhaps, at least in my father’s assessment, their conservative vision limited the town’s growth and prosperity.
Like many small towns, according to my father, Gallatin has been comfortable thinking about its past and going by the philosophy that “nothing should be done the first time.” Nonetheless, the town has a strong sense of continuity as a strictly agriculturally oriented community. Everyone knows nearly everyone, and rarely can you as a child or adult walk about town without people knowing your first and last name, your parents and perhaps even more.
Geography and Beauty
Gallatin lies in the gentle, rolling hills of a region in Northwest Missouri identified in state tourist guides as the “Green Hills” area. The town sits on a high bluff overlooking a scenic valley on the east, as well as the storied Grand River, whose floods sometimes create havoc and heartache. There are lovely outcroppings of limestone in the hills north and east. And in the fall when the slopes are ablaze with autumn leaves, it is spectacularly lovely, reflecting the idea of the good earth that surrounds the community.
Decline in Business
Gallatin changed some as times changed, but the real decline in the business district occurred when Wal-Mart opened in nearby Cameron, offering much of what people wanted inexpensively and in one location. While Gallatin used to have three grocery stores, it now has one, and its only pharmacy is now going out of business.
Life Not So Dull
Life, though, seems never to be humdrum around Gallatin, despite the town’s outward appearance. An ordinance was passed in 1857 authorizing punishment for “furious riding of any horse or animal within the city limits.” Several $2 fines were assessed for careless and reckless horsemanship.
The James Gang and More
The James brothers committed two robberies in the area, one at a Gallatin bank and the other a train in nearby Winston. In fact, Frank James’ trial was held in Gallatin. And the James brothers–Jesse and Frank–used to write letters to the editor of the local newspaper attesting to their innocence.
The last public hanging in Missouri took place just off the northwest corner of the square. And Gallatin was also the site of an infamous battle between settlers and the Mormon faithful. By today, though, there is a sizable Mormon contingent in the community.
In more recent times Sheriff Leland Houghton died of gunshot wounds in the line of duty. And the community anguished in 1982 over the kidnapping of 9-year-old Jennifer Barden, taken from her front yard by a prison escapee. Her body was not found until a year later.
Still a Great Place to Grow Up
Nonetheless, the fabric of the town created a wonderful place to grow up. My parents are no longer there. My 98-year-old mother is in a nursing facility near my home. And my father died five years ago after living for several years with Alzheimer’s. Nonetheless, the town still feels like home when I approach the courthouse square or see the water tower rising above the city.