WARRENSBURG

city, seat (1836) of Johnson county, west-central Missouri, U.S. It lies 52 miles (84 km) southeast of Kansas City. Named for Martin Warren, a Revolutionary War soldier and farmer who settled the area in 1833, the town developed as an agricultural-trade centre. The arrival of the Missouri Pacific Railroad (1864) stimulated its growth, and flour and woolen mills, grain elevators, and a brewery were built. In the late 19th century Warrensburg was known for its mineral springs. Its modern economy is diversified, with agriculture (wheat, corn , hay, and cattle) still important. Leading manufactures include clothing, lawn mowers, electronic products, chemicals, and metal castings. Sandstone is quarried locally. Central Missouri State University (1871) was established in the city as a state normal school. Whiteman Air Force Base is 10 miles (16 km) east of the town. The original county courthouse was the scene of the 1870 trial over the killing of the dog Old Drum, at which the future U.S. senator George Vest recited his "Tribute to the Dog," a classic of American oratory. Inc. town, 1844; city, 1856. Pop. (1992 est.) 15,469.