Neosho

Neosho Municipal Water Report Information

Neosho, a county seat town with 12,157 residents, is located in Newton County on the western edge of the Missouri Ozarks. The name "Ne-o-zho" or "Ne-u-zhu" comes from Native American language meaning "clear or abundant water." The nine natural springs within city limits significantly influenced Neosho's early development.

Historical Background
The area was first settled in the early 19th century, with Neosho designated as Newton County's seat in 1839. Missouri joined the Union as a slave state under the Missouri Compromise. During the Civil War, Neosho residents were divided in their loyalties but leaned pro-Southern. After Confederate victories at Carthage and Wilson's Creek, Missouri Governor Claiborne Jackson convened a special legislative session in Neosho's Masonic Hall, later reconvening in Cassville to vote for secession from the Union. Though no major battles occurred in Neosho, much of downtown was destroyed by fire in 1863.

Railway Development
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad reached Neosho in 1870, eventually becoming the San Francisco and St. Louis Railroad (Frisco). The Kansas City/Fort Smith and Southern Railroad arrived in 1887, later sold to Kansas City Southern Railroad. The Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad connected Eureka Springs to Neosho in 1908, linking with Frisco and Kansas City Southern tracks.

Cultural Heritage
Scottish-Irish settlers were joined by immigrants from Germany, France, and Switzerland. Neosho hosts the nation's oldest operating federal fish hatchery, established in 1888. The city's most prominent spring is Big Spring, located downtown in Big Spring Park. By 1920, Neosho's population reached 3,700. During World War II, Camp Crowder trained U.S. Army Signal Corps members before being deactivated in 1958.

Notable Residents
Thomas Hart Benton, renowned artist, is Neosho's most famous native son. His childhood experiences in Neosho are captured in his painting at the Missouri State Capitol. Some of Benton's original lithographs, gifted to the city, are displayed in Neosho High School's library. George Washington Carver, celebrated scientist, was born near Neosho and received his early education here. Humorist Will Rogers attended Scarritt College, now the former intermediate school site.

The Flower Box City
Neosho is known as the "Flower Box City," with colorful flowers displayed in boxes throughout commercial and residential areas. Big Spring Park is popular with residents and visitors alike, featuring diverse roses, flowers, plants, and trees. Its picturesque footbridge, floral clock, picnic tables, and benches provide a natural gathering place. In 1957, Neosho received the National Municipal League and Look Magazine All-America City award for outstanding civic achievement.

Education and Industry
The city has long supported quality education. Through reorganization, the local school district expanded to cover 223 square miles with over 3,839 students. In 1963, Newton and McDonald counties established a community college district, now Crowder College. The Crowder Industrial area comprises 2,000 acres for industrial development, with utilities, paved streets, rail access, and proximity to Neosho Municipal Airport. Local industries include furniture, wire products, turbine engine refurbishment, barbecue equipment, garment manufacturing, poultry processing, egg products, and wood products. Crowder Industries Inc. operates one of Missouri's largest sheltered workshops.