Lafayette County, Missouri
Lafayette County lies just east of Kansas City in western Missouri and is known for having some of the most productive farmland in the state.
The Missouri River forms the county’s northern boundary, contributing to its natural beauty and agricultural success. Farming remains a cornerstone of the local economy, and community festivals celebrate everything from apples to antiques.
The county seat, Lexington, is rich in Civil War history. One of its most notable landmarks is the historic courthouse, where cannonballs from wartime battles can still be seen embedded in the columns today.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Lafayette County |
| County Seat | Lexington |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Lexington, Higginsville, Odessa, Bates City, Corder, Dover, Wellington, Alma |
| Interstates and Highways | I-70, US 24, MO 13, MO 23, MO 131 |
| Population | Approximately 33,000 |
| FIPS Code | 29-107 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 639 square miles (Land: 628 sq mi, Water: 11 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Missouri |
| Coordinates | 39.0319° N, 93.8541° W |
| Etymology | Named after the Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolutionary War |
| Major Landmarks | Battle of Lexington State Historic Site, Confederate Memorial State Historic Site, Wentworth Military Academy Museum |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Ray County (Northwest), Carroll County (Northeast), Saline County (East), Johnson County (South), Jackson County (West), Pettis County (Southeast) |
