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Bourbon, MO has the fine distinction of being named after Bourbon whiskey.  The beginnings of the city coincide with the construction of the Pacific Railroad (later called the Frisco Railroad).  The railroad brought travelers to the area, and, with the availability of inexpensive land, many people opted to settle the territory.

A gentleman by the name of Richard Turner set up a general store on his property to serve the new settlers as well as the railroad workers, who were mostly Irish immigrants.  The Irishmen, along with a few of the settlers, were accustomed to drinking whiskey, so Turner imported barrels of the Bourbon brand whiskey to his store.  He kept a large Bourbon barrel on the front porch of his store.  In turn, the workers called Turner’s store the “Bourbon Store.”  Soon enough, the entire location was referred to as simply “Bourbon.”  When the post office was built in 1853, the official name of the area became “Bourbon in the village of St. Cloud.” 

Current day Bourbon is an attractive tourist destination.  There are two major river resorts within 8 miles of its downtown, and within 10 miles of either direction of the city, tourists can find many famous destinations like the Onondaga Cave, Meramec Caverns and Meramec State Park.  Bourbon is also a gateway to the Ozarks with destinations including wineries, lakes and the world-renowned Branson, Missouri.

Bourbon real estate is becoming very attractive to prospective investors.  The town doesn’t have any plans to become a large city; indeed, Bourbon is known for its small-town feel and neighborly ways.  Although the city isn’t trying to expand, it is drawing in many people who are looking for a safe and friendly place to live, as evidenced by the city’s rising population.