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Day 3 - June 23, 2004 - Jefferson City to Boonville
“Just Off the Trail”
The historic community of Hartsburg is one of the most popular small towns located just off Katy Trail State Park. North of Jefferson City, Hartsburg lies in the most southern portion of Boone County beside the Missouri River and the Katy Trail. The town’s proximity to these features has had a huge impact on the city’s growth and personality over the years.
The city of Hartsburg was originally started as a railroad station and was known as Hart Station, named after the founding fathers the Hart Brothers. The town was able to establish itself early on with the help from the trains passing through, as many as 10 trains a day.
The town of Hartsburg has also had to deal with its fair share of floods that occur from being so close to the Missouri River. The town has survived nine major floods between the years of 1903 and 1995. When most towns would be destroyed by the devastating rush of water the Missouri River can unleash, the town of Hartsburg seems to shine under the pressure of keeping their community together. The community of Hartsburg is proud of its heritage of hard working northern European settlers of German and Dutch bloodlines, and of its history as a river town that has overcome the rampages of successive floods with renewed strength and agility.
The spirit of Hartsburg’s heritage really comes through every year during its Annual Pumpkin Festival. The festival is held during the second weekend of October and is known to draw thousands of tourists during the three days.
Hartsburg also has a bicycle shop, a café, a furniture refinisher, antique shops and a winery. Whether you are riding along the Katy Trail or you are just going on a Sunday drive, the town of Hartsburg is always a unique experience that can be enjoyed year round.
Photo courtesy of Southern Boone Chamber of Commerce.
