Welcome To
Wright County was organized on January 29, 1841 and named after Silas Wright, a prominent New York senator. Originally the county was formed from part of Pulaski County. It is bordered by Laclede County to the north, Texas County to the east, Douglas County to the south, and Webster County to the west. Wright County lost part of its land to Texas County in 1845, to Laclede County in 1849, and a large section to Webster County in 1855 with the organization of these surrounding counties. Wright County currently consists of 683 square miles and 437,120 acres.
Located in what is considered to be southwest Missouri, Wright County lies within the Salem Plateau region of the Ozark Mountains. In fact, the Ozark Mountain range divides the county into northern and southern watersheds. The northern watershed includes the head waters of the Gasconade River and its tributaries – Beaver, Dove, Whetstone, Clark, Wolf and Elk Creeks. The southern watershed contains the Bryant’s Fork of White River. Wright County has a karst environment characterized by numerous caves and springs. It has a moderately hilly terrain.
Although no early Indian settlements have been documented in the area, the wandering Delawares, Shawnees, and Piankashaws did come through. Early white settlers were probably hunters. Wright County streams were abundant with fish and game abounded in the forests. The timber in the county is comprised of the different kinds of oak, sycamore, walnut, cherry and other woods.
Wright County is located in what is considered to be the “bible belt” and religion plays a big part in many lives. Education is also important in our county. All or part of eight school districts lie within the boundaries of Wright County. Many activities revolve around church and school functions.
Incorporated communities in the county are Mountain Grove, Norwood, Mansfield, and Hartville, with Hartville being the county seat and centrally located in the county. Our climate is mild, our citizens are friendly, and our many churches and excellent education system combined with the great hunting and fishing and our rural atmosphere make Wright County a good place to visit or to call home.
