Missouri's Brunswick: A Midwest Gem

Brunswick, Missouri is a city in Chariton County, Missouri, United States. It is located on the Missouri River and is known as the Pecan Capital of Missouri. The city has a rich history, with Lewis and Clark passing through in 1804 and the Pottawatomie Indian Tribe crossing its waters in 1838 during the Trail of Death march. The original town of Brunswick was founded in 1836 by James Keyte, an English immigrant and Methodist minister, and was named after Brunswick in England. The city has a population of around 800-900 people and offers a range of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hunting, and kayaking.

Brunswick's history

Brunswick, Missouri, is located on the Grand River, just three miles from the Missouri River. The area has a rich history, dating back to indigenous settlements along the Missouri River. At the time of European contact, historical tribes in the region included the Missouri, Osage, Kaw, and Otoe, among others. In 1723, Etienne de Veniard, Sieur de Bourgmont, established Fort Orleans near present-day Brunswick, which became the first multi-year European fort and settlement in Missouri. It served as a trading centrepiece for the new French territory of La Louisiane.

Following the Louisiana Purchase, the region witnessed a significant influx of immigrants, particularly from states like Kentucky and Tennessee, who brought with them African-American slaves and slaveholding traditions. The original town of Brunswick was laid out in 1836 by James Keyte, an English immigrant and Methodist minister. Keyte also founded the town of Keytesville, Missouri, and named Brunswick after a town in England. The early community grew slowly, with a population of around 125 by 1840. However, a wave of new residents in the early 1840s, including German immigrants, expanded the town's size and business offerings. The town's first newspaper, "The Brunswicker," began publication in 1847 and continues to this day.

Before the American Civil War, Brunswick served as a regional trading centre due to its steamboat access, as surrounding counties lacked railroads. In 1849, Brunswick recorded 534 arrivals and departures by steamboats. The town's early industries included a sawmill, a hotel, a wagon maker, a brick factory, and a pork packing facility. The first school was established in 1840, and by 1871, a large three-story brick school was constructed.

After the Civil War, farmers shifted away from labour-intensive crops, and by 1880, Chariton County led the state in tobacco production. The arrival of the railroad in 1867 reduced the town's reliance on steamboats. The 20th century saw the establishment of various industries in Brunswick, including an alfalfa-drying plant, the Chariton Electric Company, a fertilizer blending plant, and a glove factory. The town also became known for its pecan groves, earning the title of "Pecan Capital of Missouri." The annual Brunswick Pecan Festival, first held in 1980, celebrates this distinction.

Pecan Capital of Missouri

Brunswick is a city in Chariton County, Missouri, United States. It was named after Brunswick, in England, and was founded in 1836 by James Keyte, an English immigrant and Methodist minister. The city has a rich history, including the passing through of Lewis and Clark in 1804 and the Pottawatomie Indian Tribe during their Trail of Death march in 1838.

Brunswick is known as the "Pecan Capital of Missouri", a title it received in 1972 through a state resolution by State Representative Norwood Creason. The city has a long history of pecan farming, with vast orchards producing the native Missouri pecan, as well as larger specialty grafted pecans. The pecans of Brunswick are known for their distinct flavour and top quality. They are sourced by ingredient manufacturers, exported internationally, and sold in local retail shops.

The annual Brunswick Pecan Festival, held every October since 1980, celebrates the city's historical leadership in pecan production. The festival features a range of activities, including a competitive pecan pie and dessert auction, pecan cluster and littlest pecan contests, parades, a quilt show, and various food and beverage options.

Located along Highway 24 in downtown Brunswick is the World's Largest 20th-Century Pecan—a concrete replica measuring seven by twelve feet and weighing twelve thousand pounds. It was constructed in 1982 by George James to honour the Starking Hardy Giant pecan, which he discovered on his property in 1947. The replica is a popular attraction for visitors, who can take photos next to it and learn about the city's pecan heritage.

Brunswick, situated on the Grand River just three miles from the Missouri River, also offers outdoor recreational opportunities such as camping, fishing, hunting, trapping, boating, and kayaking. The city's German heritage, historical sites, and vibrant community make it a popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways.

Points of interest

Brunswick, Missouri, is a village in Chariton County, Northwest Missouri. It was founded in 1836 by James Keyte, a native of Brunswick, England, and a Methodist minister. The village is surrounded by rivers, namely the Missouri and the Grand River, which frequently flood, destroying crops and property.

World's Largest Pecan

This monument is dedicated to the pecan, a type of nut. While it is unclear why this monument exists in Brunswick, it is certainly a unique landmark and a fun photo opportunity.

Eleven Point River Canoe Rental

For those who enjoy water activities, this canoe rental service provides an opportunity to explore the Eleven Point River, which flows through parts of Missouri and Arkansas. Canoeing on this river offers a chance to connect with nature and experience the beauty of the surrounding area.

Van Meter State Park

Van Meter State Park is a great option for those who want to spend time outdoors. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, wildlife observation, and nature photography. It is also a peaceful spot to have a picnic or simply relax and enjoy the fresh air.

Wonder Dog Memorial Garden

This memorial garden commemorates the life and legacy of a remarkable dog named Wonder. It is a place for reflection and a tribute to the special bond between humans and their canine companions.

Historic Walking Areas

Brunswick has a rich history that can be explored through walking tours. Visitors can stroll through the streets, taking in the architecture and learning about the village's past, including its early days as a trading hub and its divided loyalties during the Civil War.

Kaitlynn's Deli & Ice Cream Shop

This delightful eatery offers a range of delicious treats, including ice cream, desserts, and American and café fare. It is a great spot to satisfy your sweet tooth and enjoy a casual meal.

Population

Brunswick, Missouri, had a population of 915 people in 2021, a decrease from 972 in 2020. The population density is 662 people per square mile. The median age in Brunswick is 43.8 years, with a median household income of $38,250. The racial makeup of the city is predominantly White (86%), followed by Black or African American (5.36%), Other (4.26%), Two or More Races (3.5%), and American Indian and Alaska Native (0.437%). The percentage of US citizens in Brunswick is higher than the national average, at 99.7%.

The population of Brunswick has experienced a decline in recent years, with a 5.86% decrease between 2020 and 2021. The median household income has increased by 9.64% during the same period. The majority of residents in Brunswick are US citizens, and the percentage of foreign-born residents is lower than the national average.

Brunswick has a small population compared to other cities in Missouri, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, which are the state's largest urban areas. The population of Brunswick is spread across different age groups, with 22.5% under the age of 18, 17.9% between 25 and 44, and 27.4% aged 65 and older. The gender distribution is relatively balanced, with 48.0% male and 52.0% female.

The city has a diverse economy, with the largest industries being Health Care & Social Assistance, Manufacturing, and Retail Trade. The highest-paying industries include Transportation & Warehousing and Utilities, Retail Trade, and Educational Services, & Health Care & Social Assistance. The average commute time for residents is 18.6 minutes, and most people drive alone to work.

Climate

Brunswick, Missouri, is located on the Grand River, just three miles from the Missouri River. The city's climate is characterised by cold winters and moderately hot summers.

In October, for example, the temperature in Brunswick varies between a maximum of 73.4°F (23°C) and a minimum of 44.6°F (7°C). The warmest part of the day is usually in the afternoon, from 3 pm to 5 pm. The city experiences a good deal of sunshine, with clear skies and low precipitation probability year-round.

The original town of Brunswick was laid out in 1836, and due to its location, the original town plat is now underwater. The current city has a total area of 1.25 square miles (3.24 km2), of which 1.20 square miles (3.11 km2) is land, and 0.05 square miles (0.13 km2) is water.

The city's location provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, hunting, trapping, boating, and kayaking.

Frequently asked questions