Driving Around La Plata, Missouri

La Plata is a city in Macon County, Missouri, United States, with a rich history and a population of 1,257 according to the 2020 census. Located next to the Adair County line, La Plata is notable for its connection to the BNSF Railway, especially the La Plata station providing passenger rail service to Chicago and Los Angeles.
History:
The city's origins trace back to March 17, 1827, when Drury Davis established a trading post near the town's current location. Over the following years, it grew into a small village with essential establishments like a blacksmith shop, an inn, and a stagecoach station. La Plata was officially platted in 1855 and named after the city of La Plata in Argentina, with the name itself meaning "silver" in Spanish. The town saw growth with the arrival of railroads, becoming an important shipping point for various goods. La Plata was incorporated as a fourth-class city in 1881. Despite challenges, including the loss of its first major industry, a creamery, the town thrived with agriculture-related activities, oil pipelines, and a small but active business community.
The first school, Long Branch, was established in 1868, later replaced by a five-room brick schoolhouse in 1872. Today, education is provided by the La Plata R-2 school district. Several historical sites, including the Lester and Norma Dent House, John T. and Mary M. Doneghy House, Gilbreath-McLorn House, and La Plata Square Historic District, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Geography:
La Plata covers an area of 1.60 square miles, with 1.59 square miles being land and 0.01 square miles water, according to the United States Census Bureau.
Demographics:
The population of La Plata has seen fluctuations over the decades. In the 2020 census, there were 1,257 people, with a racial makeup of 96.5% White, 0.2% African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, and 1.7% from two or more races. The city has a diverse household composition, and the median age is 42.1 years.
In the 2010 census, 33.4% of households had children under 18, 45.2% were married couples, and 37.7% were non-families. The city has experienced demographic shifts, with the 2020 population showing an 8.0% decrease compared to 2010.
Education:
Public education in La Plata is overseen by the La Plata R-II School District, which operates an elementary school and La Plata High School. Additionally, the city has a lending library, the La Plata Public Library.
Notable People:
Lester Dent, an author known for the Doc Savage books, hails from La Plata.
La Plata remains a vibrant community with a blend of historical significance and modern elements, including its railway connection and educational facilities.