New London Missouri

New London, Missouri: A Historic County Seat with Small-Town Charm

History of New London

New London, the county seat of Ralls County, Missouri, is a small city with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Located in the northeastern part of the state, New London has played an important role in the region’s development.

• Founded in 1819, making it one of the oldest towns in northeast Missouri.
• Named after New London, Connecticut, the hometown of some early settlers.
• Became the county seat of Ralls County in 1820.
• Survived a period of decline after being bypassed by the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in the 1850s.
• Played a role in the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate sympathizers in the area.
• Home to the historic Ralls County Courthouse, built in 1858.
• Maintained its status as a center for local government and commerce throughout its history.
• Preserves much of its 19th-century charm while adapting to modern times.

Neighborhoods of New London

As a small city, New London doesn’t have officially designated neighborhoods, but it does have distinct areas:

• Downtown Historic District: The heart of New London, featuring the courthouse and historic buildings.
• Residential Areas: Quiet streets lined with a mix of historic homes and newer constructions.
• Rural Surroundings: The farmlands and countryside that border the city, reflecting its agricultural heritage.
• Highway 61 Corridor: The area along the main highway, featuring some commercial development.

Notable Attractions

New London offers several points of interest for residents and visitors:

• Ralls County Courthouse: A beautiful example of 19th-century architecture, still in use today.
• Ralls County Museum: Showcasing the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.
• New London City Park: Offering recreational facilities and a gathering place for community events.
• Historic Downtown: Featuring well-preserved buildings and local businesses.
• Nearby Mark Twain Lake: A popular spot for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities.
• Ralls County Fairgrounds: Host to the annual county fair and other events.

Statistical Data

Key statistics about New London, Missouri:

• Population: Approximately 1,000 residents as of recent estimates.
• Land Area: About 1 square mile (2.59 km²).
• Elevation: 680 feet (207 m) above sea level.
• Median Age: Around 40 years old.
• Median Household Income: Approximately $45,000 (as of recent estimates).
• Education: Served by the Ralls County R-II School District.
• Climate: Humid continental, with hot summers and cold winters.
• Economy: Based on agriculture, local government, small businesses, and some light industry.
• Distance from Major Cities: About 120 miles northwest of St. Louis and 20 miles southwest of Hannibal.

List of Things to Do in New London

1. Visit the historic Ralls County Courthouse and admire its architecture.
2. Explore the exhibits at the Ralls County Museum.
3. Enjoy recreational activities at New London City Park.
4. Take a walking tour of the historic downtown area.
5. Attend the annual Ralls County Fair at the fairgrounds.
6. Visit nearby Mark Twain Lake for fishing, boating, or hiking.
7. Participate in community events held throughout the year.
8. Explore local shops and restaurants in the downtown area.
9. Take a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside.
10. Attend a high school sports event or other school activities.
11. Visit the New London Cemetery to explore local history.
12. Enjoy bird watching and nature photography in the rural areas.
13. Participate in seasonal hunting or fishing activities (with proper licenses).
14. Attend services at one of the local churches.
15. Visit nearby Hannibal for additional Mark Twain-related attractions.

 

Points of interest near New London

Airports

• Helipad

Churches

• Salem Church, which is on Center.
• Arch United Methodist Church, which is on 56017 Ocean Wave Road, Hannibal.
• Consumed International Ministries, which is on 17067 Sundance Drive #111, New London.
• Church of Christ, which is on 3104 Market Street, Hannibal.
• Saverton-Llasco United Methodist, which is on 10991 Ilasco Drive, Hannibal.
• First Christian Church, which is on 1101 Broadway, Hannibal.

Fire Stations

• Hannibal Fire Department Station #3, which is on 3300 Arapaho Street, Hannibal.
• New London Fire Department, which is on 212 Carstarphen Drive, New London.
• Hannibal Rural Fire Department, which is on 12823 Missouri 79, Hannibal.
• Hannibal Fire Department Station 2, which is on 1383 30th Street, Hannibal.
• Hannibal Rural Fire Department, which is on 9250 County Road 418, Hannibal.
• Center Fire Department, which is on 200 South Public Street, Center.
• Hannibal Fire Department Station 1, which is on 205 South 4th Street, Hannibal.
• Hannibal Fire Department Administration, which is on 2333 Palmyra Road, Hannibal.

Universities

• Moberly Area Community College – Hannibal, which is on 190 Shinn Lane, Hannibal.

Secondary Schools

• Mark Twain Senior High School, which is on 21622 Missouri 19, Center.
• Hannibal High School, which is on 4500 McMasters Avenue, Hannibal.

Parks

• Central Park, which is on Hannibal.
• Mark Twain Cave, which is on 300 Cave Hollow Road, Hannibal.
• Clemens Field, which is on 403 Warren Barrett Drive, Hannibal.
• Dempsey Dog Park, which is on 607 Ely Street, Hannibal.
• Hannibal Parks Dept, which is on 104 North 4th Street, Hannibal.

Museums

• Rockcliffe Mansion, which is on 1000 Bird Street, Hannibal.
• Molly Brown Birthplace Museum, which is on 600 Butler Street, Hannibal.
• The Mark Twain Boyhood Home Museum Gallery, which is on 120 North Main Street, Hannibal.
• Jim’s Journey, which is on 4 Melgrove Lane, Hannibal.
• Mark Twain Museum Gallery, which is on 120 North Main Street, Hannibal.
• J. M. Clemens, which is on 181 Hill Street, Hannibal.
• Pilaster House/Grant’s Drug Store, which is on 325 North Main Street, Hannibal.
• Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center, which is on 509 North 3rd Street, Hannibal.
• The Mark Twain Boyhood Home Interpretive Center, which is on 415 North Main Street, Hannibal.

Govt offices

• Missouri Job Center – Hannibal, which is on 203 North 6th Street, Hannibal.
• Marion County Sheriff, which is on 906 Broadway, Hannibal.
• Ralls County Health Department, which is on 405 1st Street, New London.
• Ralls County Public Water Supply, which is on 3316 Market Street #5745, Hannibal.
• Missouri State Highway Patrol CDL and Drivers Testing Facility, which is on 4725 Ready Mix Road, Hannibal.
• Marion County Juvenile Office, which is on 304 Willow Street, Hannibal.
• Hannibal Municipal Court, which is on 777 Broadway, Hannibal.

Nearby Towns and Suburbs

• Flint Hill is 2 miles to the north.
• Salt River is 5 miles to the east.
• Ralls is 6 miles to the north.
• Oakwood is 6 miles to the north.
• Spalding is 7 miles to the west.
• Ilasco is 7 miles to the north-east.
• Frankford is 7 miles to the south-east.
• Cave City is 8 miles to the north-east.
• Saverton is 8 miles to the north-east.
• White Bear is 8 miles to the north.
• Center is 8 miles to the south-west.
• Hannibal is 8 miles to the north.
• Rensselaer is 9 miles to the north-west.
• Withers Mill is 9 miles to the north-west.
• Madisonville is 10 miles to the south-west.