Frankford: Landscape and History

When planning a stay in Frankford, it’s worth taking a look at the town and its surroundings. The town’s history includes its founding in 1819, early businesses, and community institutions; historical collections add to this perspective. Nearby, Ranacker Conservation Area is shaped both by its landscape and by visible railroad remnants. If you’re looking for a hotel in Frankford, these different themes can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Landscape and Historical Traces

Near Frankford, Ranacker Conservation Area offers narrow valleys, numerous rock overhangs, and more than a mile of shoreline along Peno Creek. Remains of a short-line railroad are also still visible in the conservation area. The line was built in 1872 and abandoned in 1944. This means that landscape features and a datable trace of railroad history are found side by side in the same area.

Frankford’s Beginnings and Businesses

Frankford was laid out in 1819 on land owned by Solomon Fisher. In 1831, many farmers came to Frankford to find a home and work. Also in 1831, the town was platted and submitted for recording. Together, these details show both the reasons newcomers came that year and a formal step in the platting of Frankford.

Early businesses are also part of the town’s history. Solomon Fisher operated a water-powered mill on Peno Creek, where wheat and corn were ground for the town and its farmers. The mill ceased operating around 1850 or 1851. A tannery in Frankford, owned by Fisher Petty, was established as early as 1819. Early trades and businesses also included Reason Vermillion’s carpentry, Jack Bullin’s shoemaking, Solomon Petty’s saddlery, and Patrick Glen’s wagon-making. Historically, Frankford had about 36 business locations.

Community and Religious History

Colonel Adam Mase built a two-story, four-room log house that was known for years as “The Old Tan House.” The first church in Frankford was a large hewn-log building where services of all denominations were held. The First Christian Church in Frankford, Missouri, is listed in the “Sacred Stones and Stained Glass Windows” project records under folder 262.

Little Africa was located southeast of Frankford and was a Black community. It included a church, a school, a blacksmith shop, a store, and St. Peters Cemetery. The community’s social institutions should be considered in the context of racial segregation at the time.

Frankford in Historical Collections

A history of Frankford written by Louisa Milburn in 1913 is among the collections of the State Historical Society of Missouri. The history of Frankford may be requested for consultation at the Society’s research centers; appointments are strongly recommended for viewing the material.

Getting Your Bearings in Frankford

Frankford City Park is on Main Street in Frankford. Check local conditions before visiting. Frankford City Park on Main Street offers a concrete starting point if you’re exploring the town’s history.

For the broader travel overview: Pike.