Tipton built around railroad, cross-country mail route

TIPTON, Mo. - In the early 1850s, while Congress was battling over proposals to build the best route to the newly admitted state of California and the Pacific Railroad Company was building a railroad westward, the community of Tipton was beginning to take shape, thanks in part to William Tipton Seely.

Although Seely originally settled in the Round House area, three miles north of what is now Tipton, he owned a 160-acre tract of land that the railroad had plans to build across.

The famous “eight-ball” water tower is an attraction in the community. It originated when the Fischer Pool Table Company was in full operation. The business has been closed for more than 20 years, but the tower remains an icon. (Ra'Vae Edwards/News Tribune photo)

When Seely learned of Pacific Railroad's intent, he donated a 100-foot section of land for the railroad and a four-acre tract of land where a depot and other necessary buildings could be constructed.

Because of his generosity, the area would continue to grow and prosper and the name Tipton was given, in honor of his middle name.

Now, the second largest community in Moniteau County, the history of Tipton dates back to pre-Civil War times. Twisted through the years are a number of historical events that later would become pertinent to the history of the community.

Although Tipton is located almost in the center of Missouri, it wasn't until late 1858 that it was “put on the map” with the inception of the Butterfield Overland Mail Route.

In August 1858, construction of the Pacific Railroad line was complete and the depot in Tipton quickly became host to much activity. Stagecoaches, freight haulers and mail carriers were arriving in Tipton to pick up or drop off mail, passengers or freight.

Prior to the start of the Butterfield Overland Mail Route, residents in state of California were receiving mail, but it was taking weeks for it to be delivered.

The mail was en route for several weeks after leaving the eastern coast, sailing around the southern tip of South America before finding its way up the coast and then finally delivered to San Francisco.

Post Office officials, as well as the residents, found this unsatisfactory. The Post Office began searching for a better route and let out for bids calling for an overland mail route, not to exceed 25 days and required it to be run two times per week.

In August 1858, a contract for $600,000 was awarded to John Butterfield. With only one month to put his plan in motion, Butterfield set out to explore the land and create a route.

On Sept. 16, 1858, the first trip of the Butterfield Overland Mail started and routes were run back and forth from Tipton to San Francisco.

The route was about 2,975 miles and was divided into 200 stations and relays.

Development of the community continued at a rapid rate. Tipton became a thriving town with four dry goods stores, four lumber yards, three grocery stores, two saddlers, a blacksmith, two hotels, a furniture store, a restaurant and five saloons, just to name a few.

Although Wells Fargo, the U.S. Express, stagecoaches, the Pony Express and heavy freight wagons traveled through Tipton, there were no churches, schools, preachers or newspapers in the beginning. It wasn't long before every necessity could be had in the area without leaving town.

According to 80-year-old Della Huff, who has lived in Tipton for the past 70 years, the community has changed dramatically in looks.

“I'm a little prejudice when it comes to Tipton,” Huff said. “I think it's absolutely the best little town in the world. I guess you're supposed to feel like that about your hometown.”

Huff has spent many years volunteering with a wide variety of organizations and activities in the area, including 25 years as a charter member of the Maclay Home Board of Directors. In addition, she has collected a wide array of historical information about Tipton and the surrounding area. She uses the information to give presentations for area schools and organizations.

“I think it's important for people to know all they can about the town they live in,” she said. “I know it's very important to me and I want to know more.”

Huff said although Tipton continues to be a “small” town, it offers a lot to those who live there.

“Tipton really does offers a lot - not so much in the way of businesses, because we don't have a whole lot industrial things here but we have people who look out for each other,” Huff said.

Several places throughout the community are interesting to visit, including the Maclay Home, built prior to the Civil War.

The home, built in 1858, was originally a school for girls called “Rose Hill.” The 17-room home was later used as headquarters for Union Gen. John C. Fremont in October 1861.

In 1865, the home was purchased by the Gleim/Maclay family and served as the family home until 1983. The Friends of the Maclay Home was formed and the group has cared for an maintained the facility since that time. Funds used to keep the home in operation are mainly raised through tours of the facility at a rate of $3 per person.

“It's well worth the drive to see the Maclay home,” Huff said.

“Tipton is a small town, but it's a good place to live. Everyone knows everyone and the people here are truly good people.”

Facts about Tipton

* William Tipton Seely, the man who is considered to be the founder of Tipton, died in 1863. A memorial marker is near the Tipton City Hall. The memorial was put in place in 1958 during the centennial celebration.

* When the first trip of the Butterfield Overland Mail Route was taken, William L. Ormsby, a reporter from the New York Herald, was the first passenger to take the route. Ormsby wrote about his 25-day journey and described it as hell.

* The first house in Tipton was built in 1858 by Elizabeth Charles Andrews. She purchased a section of land from William Tipton Seely for $75. The home was used as a hospital during the Civil War.

The historic Maclay Home, built in 1858, originally served as a school for girls until it closed with the advent of the Civil War. It later served as headquarters for Union General John C. Fremont. (Ra'Vae Edwards/News Tribune photo)