About Bolivar

Bolivar is a great place to live and work with award-winning schools, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, and a growing economy. Bolivar has previously been named as one of the Safest Small Towns in America and, also, as one of the Best Small Towns in America. 

Located only 30 minutes from Springfield, and within driving distance of Branson, Kansas City, and St. Louis, Bolivar enjoys access to an array of attractions, events, and big-city conveniences. Bolivar is a family-friendly, small town that has something for everyone. So whether you’re planning a visit, starting a business, or relocating, Bolivar has it all.

History of Bolivar

Bolivar has existed as a city since November 10, 1835, when proclaimed as such by the Polk County Court and designated as the county seat. Bolivar was organized as a fourth-class city on February 15, 1881.

Early settlers in the area came primarily from Tennessee, and chose the future site of Bolivar in part because of Keeling Spring, and in part because it lay along the trail used by the Overland

The city was named after the town of Bolivar in Tennessee, where the Campbell brothers had lived prior to settling here, which was in its turn named after General Simon Bolivar, ‘El Liberator’, who was also known as ‘the George Washington of South America’.

Further information on the history of Bolivar and Polk County can be found in “Polk County, Missouri Families & History”, published by the Polk County Genealogical Society. The Society meets each month at the Polk County Genealogical Library, which is the only site in Polk County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Library is located on the southeast corner of the Bolivar Square.

The naming of both the town and county resulted from suggestions put forth by the Campbell brothers, three grandsons of Ezekial Polk, who had settled here with their families. The county was named Polk in honor of their grandfather, who was a distinguished colonel in George Washington’s Revolutionary Army.

 

Bolivar Activities

Culture

Among other cultural attractions, you can revisit early area history at the Polk County Museum, located in the North Ward School building built in 1903, appreciate fine art at the Ella Carothers Dunnegan Gallery of Art, and take in a play at the Walnut Street Theatre or a concert at SBU’s Pike Auditorium, courtesy of the Bolivar Area Community Concert Association. Bolivar also features the Polk County Library and the Polk County Genealogy Society Library, if you’re in the mood for a good book or a bit of family ancestry.

Recreation

Need something fun to do? Go fishing or boating at nearby Stockton and Pomme de Terre Lakes, play a round at the Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club or the Bolivar Golf Club, take a swim at the Aqua Zone at the Bolivar Recreation Center, or get on your bicycle for a ride down the beautiful Frisco Highline Trail. Bolivar is also home to the beautiful Dunnegan Memorial Park and the John Playter Memorial Park.

Family Events

Bolivar is a fast-growing community but still maintains a small town family atmosphere. If you’re looking for something new, shop one of our many locally-owned stores or visit the year-round Greater Polk County Farmer’s Market. Sports enthusiasts can support the local high school and university sports teams, have fun at a parade or festival held regularly at the historic Bolivar square or the Polk County Fairgrounds, and Bolivar features more than 20 churches to worship in.

There is always something fun for everyone in Bolivar!

Education

Bolivar R-I School District has a AAA rating and features four award-winning campuses. Most recently, Bolivar High School was nominated for the National Blue Ribbon Award by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Bolivar is also home to Southwest Baptist University, a four-year co-educational liberal arts university, Bolivar Technical College, and Polk County Christian School.

Ready to Grow?