The history of Wheatland, Missouri, primarily begins with its formal establishment in the late 19th century. The village was platted in 1869, laying the groundwork for its development.
Early Beginnings
Wheatland was officially surveyed and laid out in 1869. This marked the formal inception of the community, setting the stage for its growth and organization within Polk County, Missouri. The act of platting involved dividing the land into lots, streets, and public spaces, indicating an intention for a structured settlement.
Origin of the Name
The name "Wheatland" holds a notable connection to United States presidential history. It is highly probable that the village was named after Wheatland, the retirement home of James Buchanan, the fifteenth President of the United States.
- President Buchanan's Residence: James Buchanan's estate, also known as Wheatland, was located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
- Timing of Naming: Buchanan passed away on June 1, 1868, at his Wheatland home, just a year before the Missouri village was platted. It is thought that the naming of Wheatland, Missouri, was a posthumous tribute or recognition of the former president's famous residence.
This connection provides a unique historical link between the small Missouri village and a significant figure in American political history, demonstrating how national events and figures could influence the naming conventions of emerging communities.
