Atchison County

Atchison County is an administrative county in northwest Missouri that borders Nebraska along the Missouri River. Its county seat, Rock Port, serves as the center for local government and community services in this rural area.

The county was first established in 1843 as Allen County and renamed in 1845 to honor U.S. Senator David Rice Atchison from Missouri. This change reflected the region's connection to a prominent political figure of that era.

The population of 5,305 residents includes a strong presence of United Methodist, Lutheran, and Southern Baptist congregations shaping local traditions.

A car is essential for exploring this county since the area is sparsely populated with distances between settlements. Local roads provide good access to natural features and the Missouri River throughout the region.

McKissick Island, a large land territory that once extended into the county, was transferred to Nebraska following a Supreme Court decision in 1904. This boundary dispute resolution remains a notable chapter in the region's legal history.

Location: Missouri

Inception: February 23, 1843

Capital city: Rock Port

Shares border with: Fremont County, Holt County, Page County, Nodaway County, Nemaha County, Otoe County

Website: http://atchisoncounty.org

GPS coordinates: 40.43000,-95.43000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:46