Bethany, Missouri is the county seat of Harrison County. The county began to be settled in 1838, although it was not surveyed until 1842. Early settlers of the county homesteaded along Sugar Creek and in the Bethany area. The townsite was chosen by county commissioners, who appointed John S. Allen to survey the town, which was located in the southern part of the county. Lots were offered for sale in 1845, at which time the town’s name was Dallas. Early settlers were displeased with the chosen name for the town, and brought the issue before the county court, who decided that a new name would be chosen by ballot. Bethany and Carthage were submitted as possible names for the town, and the vote favored Bethany, which was incorporated under that name in 1860. The town’s economy was heavily influenced by the arrival of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad in 1880, up until rail operations were suspended in the early 1980s, and the tracks were removed. Lakes were constructed in 1935, 1960, and 1994, serving to meet the water needs of the community. General Benjamin Prentiss, who achieved fame during the Battle of Shiloh, during the War of Northern Aggression, was postmaster for Bethany, and is buried there. Bethany is located just west of I-35 on US Highway 69, east of New Hampton, northeast of Wildwood, south of Eagleville, and southwest of Mount Moriah.
Recommended Resources
Bethany Area Chamber of Commerce
The non-profit organization advocates for its member businesses in the Bethany, Missouri region, and for the economic well being of the community at large. Membership policies, meeting schedules, and a membership directory are put forward, along with a guide to the region.
http://www.bethanymochamber.org/
Based in Bethany, Missouri, the 60-bed facility offers a variety of services, including rehab services, wound care, and special care for Alzheimer’s patients. Its services and amenities are listed, along with a calendar of events, photographs, and contacts. Tours may be scheduled through the site.
http://www.bethanycarectr.com/
Located in the city of Bethany, Missouri, the eye care facility offers full optical services, including LASIK evaluations and general eye exams, contact lenses, cataract evaluations, glaucoma evaluations, and diabetic evaluations. Its location, hours of operation, and appointment policies are posted.
http://www.bethanyeyecenter.com/
The county seat of Harrison County, Bethany is located on I-35 in northwestern Missouri. The official municipal web site features council agendas and minutes, electronic notifications, and various forms and applications. Administrative and departmental contacts are presented, and a calendar of events is included.
http://www.bethanymo.com/
The Bethany, Missouri guest lodging facility offers a variety of accommodations, including single queen, double queen, and king bed combinations. Its location, amenities, and rates are highlighted, and rooms may be booked online.
http://www.familybudgetinnmotel.com/
The UMC congregation in Bethany, Missouri worships each Sunday at its sanctuary on Crestview Road, across from the Crestview Nursing Home. Its ministries and programs are discussed, and a calendar of services, programs and events are published to the site.
http://firstumcbethanymo.org/
Harrison County Sheriff’s Office
Headquartered in the county seat of Bethany, Missouri, the sheriff’s office provides police protection to the county. Its organizational structure, history, and contacts are posted, along with press releases, information, and alerts.
http://www.harrisoncountysheriffmo.org/
The auto dealership in Bethany, Missouri offers new Chevrolet, GMC and Buick cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as an inventory of pre-owned vehicles, which are highlighted here. Directions, hours of operation, and dealer information are presented.
http://www.pettijohnchevrolet.com/
Headquartered in Bethany, Missouri, the public school district serves the southern part of Harrison County, offering a PK-12th grade curriculum through an early childhood center, elementary school, and combined middle and high school campus, each in Bethany. District and school calendars, special services, and faculty and staff contacts are featured.
http://www.shr2.k12.mo.us/
