1804
Lewis & Clark
Lewis & Clark camped close to Weston on July 2, 1804. A Lewis & Clark exhibit is located in the old Weston railroad depot, currently used as City Hall. The exhibit chronicles the journey of the Lewis & Clark expedition, focusing on its stop in this area on its way up the Missouri River.
1819
The Western Engineer Riverboat
As early as1819, an experimental boat, the Western Engineer, steamed north for the Yellowstone River expedition. The riverboat included a crew to perform science and engineering functions and U.S. Army topographical engineers. Artist- Ismert, Cornelius M.1948
1837
Weston, Missouri Established
Joseph Moore founded Weston by taking a land claim and building the first cabin at the present intersection of Market and Main. artist rendering- Dr. R.J. Felling
1837
Salem Christian Church Founded
The building is constructed in rural Weston, 1841.
1839
Post Office Established
Post Office is established. Ben Holladay is the first postmaster.
General Hughes Purchases Weston Claim
General Bela Hughes purchases a half interest in the Weston claim. He plats city streets and sells lots. Ben Holladay purchases other half.
1838
Ben Holladay Moves to Weston
Ben Holladay, Stage Coach King, moves to Weston. He purchases a half interest in Weston and establishes a dram shop (tavern).
Weston Major River Port
Weston is a major river port. The pictured iron ring tied up riverboats in the 1800s. It is on display at the Weston Historical Museum. The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence, MO borrowed the ring and base in 2011for a special exhibition.
1840
First Tobacco Crop Harvested
First tobacco crop is harvested and floated down the Missouri River on barges to Glasgow, MO.
1842
Weston Presbyterian Church Established
Weston Presbyterian Church Established
The Weston Presbyterian Church was organized in 1842. The building was constructed in 1844 at the corner of Washington and Thomas. Its bell tower was a landmark for steamboats and the bell announced a steamboat’s arrival. The bell is on display outside at the museum.
1842
Weston Masonic Lodge Established
The Weston Masonic Lodge No. 53 af & am is chartered. Ben Holladay’s brother, Dandridge Holladay, is a Charter member of the Lodge. The current Weston Masonic Lodge building is on Main Street.
1842
Weston Brewery Established
Weston Brewery is established. The name changed to Royal Brewing in 1901.
1974
Help Inc is Founded
Ambulance service, Help Inc. begins service for Weston area residents. Photo from 1979 with a few of the volunteers.
1978
Pirtle Vineyards
Pirtle Vineyards produces its first wine that is sold in the caves- now O’Malleys. Today Pirtle Vineyards is located on Spring Street with the retail store in the former Deutche Evangelical Luthern German Church & Negro Second Baptist Church. The winery production is in a large brick building, built for that purpose, across the street.
1984
Weston Chronicle Purchased
June 4, 1984, Beth and Jim McPherson purchase the Weston Chronicle from the Bless family and own it today in 2026.
1985
Snow Creek Opens
Snow Creek Ski area opens in the bluffs off 45 highway outside of Weston.
1986
Lost Arts Festival
First “Lost Arts Festival” is held, later changes to “Weston Applefest”
1987
Father Christmas
Father Christmas begins his beloved holiday character in the streets of Weston. For the next 25 plus years, families plan holiday excursions to get cherished photos with him..
1993
Missouri Breaks Levee
The Great Flood causes Missouri levees to break; hundreds of area residents are evacuated, and drinking water is shipped in.
2002
Weston Community Theatre
Weston Community Theatre is established by Kirk and Julie Nelson. It showcases a major production each year, attracting stage and crew talent of all ages. The summer production is free to make live theatre available to everyone.
2003
New Building Designated
Weston Community Nazarene Church dedicates a new building on H Hwy. The church was established in 1949 in Latan, MO.
2004
Last Tobacco Auction
The last tobacco auction is held in Weston though tobacco is still grown and shipped to eastern markets. By 2022 only a few farmers raise tobacco in Platte County.
2006
Preserve America
Weston is designated a Preserve America Community.
2009
Lewis & Clark Exhibit
“Lewis and Clark, A Historic Weston Exhibit” is established and opened in the back of the former train depot, now City Hall, at the bottom of Main Street. The exhibit explores the flora, fauna, and topography as observed by the expedition before Weston was founded.
2010
50 Years for Museum
Weston Historical Museum celebrates 50 years and successfully raises funds through donations to make building improvements and invest in future viability.
2011
Flooding in Weston
Missouri River floods bottom land below Main Street providing a glimpse into how Weston must have looked during the riverport era.
2012
175th Anniversary
Weston celebrates 175 years
June 19th, 2021
First Juneteenth Celebration
First Annual Juneteenth Celebration in Weston at the City Park (now Ben Holladay Park).
2021
Award From Platte County Parks
Weston Historical Museum wins a grant to design and update its website.
2021
The Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign
The Black Ancestors Awareness Campaign (BAAC) is a standing committee of the Weston Historical Museum.