California, MO

CALIFORNIA   The county seat of Moniteau county, Walker township, is situated on the Pacific railroad, 152 miles from St. Louis and 253 miles from Jefferson City. The town was first laid out by Alfred Byler, and the post office established 21 years ago. It contains one Methodist and one Baptist Church, a Seminary in successful operation, one Masonic lodge, viz., California, No. 183, and the Moniteau Lodge, No. 80, I. O. O. F. It affords one newspaper, published weekly by C. P. Anderson, called the California News. Its chief productions are corn, wheat, oats and tobacco. Its minerals lead and coal. Timber of every kind. Land is worth from $6 to $10 per acre. Population 800.  (Missouri State Gazetteer..., 1860)