Buchanan County, Missouri
Buchanan County is located in northwest Missouri and is home to St. Joseph, the county seat and largest city. During the nineteenth century, St. Joseph served as an important departure point for settlers traveling westward across the frontier.
The county is rich in history. Pony Express began in St. Joseph, and the city is known for its historic mansions, museums, and landmarks. Visitors can also explore the site where Jesse James met his famous end.
The Missouri River forms the county’s western border with Kansas. Beyond the urban areas, fertile farmland produces large crops of corn and soybeans. Buchanan County also has a strong barbecue tradition, with local restaurants and community events celebrating this regional favorite.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Buchanan County |
| County Seat | St. Joseph |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | St. Joseph, Gower, Easton, De Kalb, Agency, Rushville |
| Interstates and Highways | I-29, US 36, US 59, MO 6, MO 116 |
| Population | Approximately 88,000 |
| FIPS Code | 29-021 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 415 square miles (Land: 408 sq mi, Water: 7 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Missouri |
| Coordinates | 39.7336° N, 94.8022° W |
| Etymology | Named after James Buchanan, the 15th President of the United States |
| Major Landmarks | Pony Express National Museum, Jesse James Home Museum, Krug Park, Missouri Theatre |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Andrew County (North), DeKalb County (Northeast), Clinton County (East), Platte County (South), Atchison County, Kansas (Southwest), Doniphan County, Kansas (Northwest) |
