Cole County, Missouri, was established November 16, 1820, and in its bicentennial year was dedicated to those who have given life to the county, from generations of Ancient Ones before settlers of European and African lineage formed communities and developed commerce, to those who established Missouri's permanent capital and defended it from removal threats, fought wars and guarded the peace, broke the sod and maintained an agricultural heritage, advocated for quality public education for all, served the public good with courage, commitment, and faith, and through their efforts made and make Cole County a great place to live. Callaway County, Missouri, established November 25, 1820, was named for Captain James Callaway, grandson of pioneer Daniel Boone, and was organized from a portion of Montgomery County; comprising 847 square miles, it is the seventh largest county in the state. Cote Sans Dessein, in southern Callaway County on the Missouri River, was the first permanent settlement in 1808, and Fulton became the county seat in 1825. Native Americans, Africans, Western Europeans, and eventually a variety of nationalities brought diversity and a wealth of talents to the area. Early crops included tobacco, hemp, and grains. Callaway County's mule industry brought state and national attention in the 1900's, and agriculture, railroads, industry, nuclear energy, and educational and state institutions expanded growth and prosperity during the past two centuries. Boone County, established November 16, 1820, was organized from a portion of Howard County and named for pioneer Daniel Boone. It developed because of its proximity to transportation routes including the Boone's Lick Trail, the Missouri River, later the railroads, and still later the road and highway system, along with abundant natural resources and premier educational institutions including the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Christian, later Columbia College. In 2020, it was dedicated to the people of Boone County, who are described as resilient in adversity, demonstrating regional leadership, and committed to the betterment of the community at large.