In the first session of Missouri Boys State, there were four different counties, each named after early leaders of Missouri. Since that time, four new counties have been created and a few have been renamed to honor an individual, although each name still signifies and important leader in Missouri history.

By clicking on the counties above, you can see brief biographical sketches of each man for whom a Boys State county has been named.

Important Dates:

1938: The first session of Missouri Boys State had four counties: Scott, Price, Barton and Benton.

1954: Two more counties were added: Linn and Gamble.

1971: MBS added another two counties, expanding to its current number of eight. The last two counties added were Newberry and Bacon.

1983: The Missouri Boys State general assembly voted to change Linn County to Bradley County in honor of Gen. Omar Bradley. The MBS Board of Directors approved the change.

1990: The MBS general assembly voted to rename Cockrell City after C.C. "Chuck" Richardson. The MBS Board of Directors approved the change.

1994: The MBS Board of Directors voted to rename Coontz City to Carver City after George Washington Carver.

2001: The MBS Board of Directors voted to rename Shelby City to Carnahan City after the late Governor of Missouri. Mel Carnahan. The same year it was decided that the Board would also rename Smith City to Whitfield City in honor of Jim Whitfield, whose dedication and commitment to the American Legion and Missouri Boys State is unparalleled.