Potosi, Missouri, county seat of Washington County, was founded in 1783 by Moses Austin. Moses Austin (October 4, 1761 – June 10, 1821) played a large part in the development of the American lead industry and was the first to establish an English American settlement west of the Mississippi River. Because the land was rich in Lead, it was named Potosi after the Bolivian silver-mining city of Potosí, Bolivia. Moses Austin and his wife Maria Brown Austin now rest behind the Presbyterian church built in 1832.

Family Fun: You may be interested in taking a hike up Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest point in Missouri, riding your horse through St. Francois State Park, or four-wheeling through St. Joe State Park. Perhaps you’d like to learn more about Missouri history at Fort Davidson where you can enjoy a free tour and learn more about the Battle of Pilot Knob. However, you may be more interested boating in the 360 acre lake at YMCA of the Ozarks, or climbing over humongous granite rocks resembling elephants at Elephant Rocks. Lets not forget the unforgettable rocky view at Johnson’s Shut-Ins where u can hike and climb rocks then cool yourself off in the river below.

Contact the Potosi, Missouri Chamber of Commerce:
P.O. Box 404 , – Potosi, MO 63664
Phone: 573-438-4517  – Fax:  573-438-3676

Contact the Washington County Chamber of Commerce:
Post Office Box 404 (501 East Main Street)
Phone: (573) 438-5141 – Fax: (573) 438-3676

Local Banks and Lenders: