Elected officials and members of the Moniteau County community were on hand to celebrate a milestone anniversary Friday afternoon.
Moniteau County celebrated its 175th anniversary Feb. 14. The county was originally founded on Feb. 14, 1845, the same date as 16 other Missouri counties: Atchison, Cedar, Dunklin, Gentry, Harrison, Hickory, Knox, Lawrence, Mercer, Mississippi, Nodaway, Morgan, Schuyler, Sullivan and Texas.
"This is an auspicious occasion," Moniteau County Presiding Commissioner Mac Finley said. "Today, we are reaching a milestone, with the county turning 175 years old."
Along with Finley, elected officials from the county level all the way to the capital - including Reps. Sara Walsh and David Wood - were present in recognition of the occasion. Proclamations were issued from a number of elected officials in honor of the anniversary as well. Along with a joint proclamation from Walsh and Wood, proclamations were issued by state senator Mike Bernskoetter, Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler and Gov. Mike Parson.
Walsh read her and Wood's proclamation in person, as did Hartzler's press secretary, Steve Walsh.
"On this huge day, which is (also) Valentine's Day - that's really great, because we do love our county, so it's so appropriate," Walsh said.
The pair of state representatives' resolution stated the Missouri House of Representatives "always welcome(s) the opportunity to acknowledge milestone events in the histories of Show-Me State communities that have proven through the years to be exemplary places in which to live, work and raise families." It goes on to commend Moniteau County for its status as a leading producer of agricultural goods, and the county's beef production and ham and turkey products.
"This is a momentous occasion," Wood said. "Hopefully, most of us will be around for the 200th (anniversary)."