Welcome to Marthasville, Missouri, a town that holds a unique chapter in the American story of exploration and expansion. Located about forty-five miles west of St. Louis, Marthasville is a place where the echoes of history linger in the air, inviting you to explore its storied past.
Marthasville was founded by Dr. John Young, who named it after his first wife, Martha. This town is steeped in the legacy of the early American frontier, closely tied to the legendary figures of Daniel Boone and the famous expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. Dr. Young, a settler from Kentucky, owned a significant number of enslaved African Americans, including William Wells Brown, who would become a prominent abolitionist and the country’s first Black novelist.
As you journey through Marthasville, you’ll discover its connection to the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Marthasville Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission continues to honor the town’s historical significance, commemorating the expedition that charted the path to the western frontier. Lewis and Clark, along with an enslaved man named York, embarked on their journey of discovery from this region, leaving a lasting impact on American history.
Another point of interest is the nearby gravesite of Daniel Boone, a legendary frontiersman who explored the Kentucky wilderness. Although there is some controversy over his final resting place, the site remains a testament to Boone’s role in American pioneering.
Today, Marthasville is a quiet town with a rich agricultural heritage. Its rolling vineyards and serene landscapes are a reminder of the natural beauty that has always been part of its allure. As you walk or drive through Marthasville, take a moment to consider the footsteps of those who came before—explorers, settlers, and those whose stories have yet to be fully told.
Marthasville offers a window into the past, a place where history is not just remembered but lived through the stories of pioneers and unsung heroes alike.
