The “Penney Farm,” owned by retail businessman J.C. Penney, once appeared like this northeast of Gallatin off Route K in Daviess County, MO. (circa 1985)

One of the most picturesque farms in Daviess County, MO, was owned by J.C. Penney. But Hamilton in Caldwell County, MO, has the distinction of being the birthplace and boyhood home of retail magnate J.C. Penney. The Penney Library and Museum houses memorabilia from his early years here until his death in 1971.

James Cash Penney founded the J. C. Penney Company, a nationwide chain of stores that sells a wide variety of products. He was born on September 16, 1875, on a farm in Caldwell County, near Hamilton, MO.

Hamilton, a rural community located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 36 and Missouri Highway 13, offers a variety of retail and service businesses as well as antique, collectible and gift shops. Hamilton has an AAA rated public school system, fine medical facilities, public library and several recreational facilities including a swimming pool, golf course, bowling alley and fishing lake.

Caldwell County Arts provides the area with cultural presentations throughout the year at the renovated Hamilton Community Arts Theater. Presentations range from locally produced musicals to country and bluegrass performances.

Hamilton has the distinction of being the birthplace and boyhood home of retail magnate J.C. Penney. The Penney Library and Museum houses memorabilia from his early years here until his death in 1971. The boyhood home of Mr. Penney, a modest 4-room cottage, was moved from its site east of Hamilton to its present location in a city park in downtown Hamilton. It serves as a tourist attraction. Located across the street is an expansion of the park bounded by a huge mural depicting the history of Hamilton and Caldwell County. For man years Mr. Penney’s 1947 Cadillac was o­n display at a service station o­n the south edge of Hamilton, a novelty which attracts the curious and car buffs.

Each spring during the J.C. Penney Hometown Festival, nearly 100 flea market and craft booths line Hamilton’s main street offering their fares. The North Missouri Steam and Gas Engine Show attracts large crowds to Hamilton each August. Nearby are other attractions. The Caldwell County courthouse in Kingston is listed o­n the National Historic Register. Far West, a temple site for those of the Mormon faith, is located in nearby Mirabile. The historical displays to be found there are visited by thousands annually.

— provided by the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce; for more information about Hamilton, MO, call 816.583.2168

The J.C. Penney Memorial Library-Museum is located at 312 North Davis Street in Hamilton, MO

The boyhood home of J.C. Penney at Hamilton, MO