History The first settlement in the county was in 1809 at Cote Sans Dessein along the Missouri River. Early leaders considered siting the first Missouri state capital in the territory between Wainwright and Tebbetts. Callaway County was organized in 1820 and was named after Captain James Callaway, who was killed by Native Americans. Elizabeth became the first county seat. Many of the villages and towns in the county today represent places where railroad stations existed in early years.
history the first settlement in the county was in 1809 at cote sans dessein along the missouri river early leaders considered siting the first missouri state capital in the territory between wainwright and tebbetts callaway county was organized in 1820 and was named after captain james callaway who was killed by native americans elizabeth became the first county seat many of the villages and towns in the county today represent places where railroad stations existed in early years