This 1846 map shows the significant trails used by early settlers to populate and transverse Northwest Missouri. Gallatin connects to Chillicothe going eastward. Three trails led westward from Gallatin, to Savannah in Andrew County, to Plattsburg in Clinton County, and to Buchanan County east of St. Joseph.

Many western trails originated in the Midwest and impacted Daviess County and western Missouri, including such major trails as the Mormon Trail, Oregon Trail, and Santa Fe Trail as shown.