HISTORY
Following several contentious county seat changes, Unionville was named as the seat of Putnam County eight years after the county was established in 1845. Mills and coal mining along with transportation via railroad paved the way for early development.
RECREATION
The Putnam County Historical Society Museum houses displays, artifacts and fascinating memorabilia. Open spaces in city limits include Unionville City Park and McCalment Park. These facilities provide playground equipment, athletic courts, RV campgrounds, meeting rooms and more.
Lake Thunderhead consists of 1,050 acres of private recreation just three miles north of Unionville. Water sports, golf, tennis and camping are all popular at the lake. In addition, wildlife including bald eagles, wild turkey, pheasants, quail and deer is abundant. Throughout the year, Lake Thunderhead hosts several fishing tournaments. Mineral Hills State Forest is home to even more wildlife as well as serene woodlands and wildflowers. Unionville Country Club is an expanded nine-hole golf course featuring a seasonal swimming pool. If that’s not enough, Lake Mahoney and Rebel’s Cove Wildlife Area offer even more outdoor fun in the Unionville area.
Putnam County Fair is one of the largest fairs in the area held annually each September. The county also holds an Independence Day celebration, Lucerne Stock Show, Country & Old Time Music Festival, Downtown Summer Festival and Downtown Winterfest.
CLIMATE
Measurable precipitation falls on 81 days of the year resulting in 39 inches of rain and 19 inches of snowfall on average each year in Putnam County. Sunshine is typical on 202 days annually and summers are warm, while winters can be cold.
AMENITIES
Educational opportunities are provided to K-12 students in the area by Putnam County R-1 Schools. The district also features before and after school programs and an A+ rating. Anyone wishing to continue or further their education can attend one of the many accessible colleges including Truman State University in Kirksville, Mo., North Central Missouri College in Trenton, Mo., or Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo., to name a few.
Putnam County Memorial Hospital offers a wide range of services including 24-hour emergency care. PCMH works with the University of Missouri Health Sciences Center to bring specialty care to north Missouri. Putnam County Rural Health & Specialty Clinic also provides healthcare in conjunction with PCMH.