Welcome to Butler, MO, the "Electric City." Butler was the first city west of the Mississippi to have electric power. It is also the oldest continuously operated municipal electric utility in the United States.

Known as the city where the Civil War began, Butler is rich with the culture that built America. Our million-dollar Bates County Museum of Pioneer History complex can start you on a trip through time from the original settlers through the Civil War.

Situated in western Missouri on U.S. 71 and Missouri 52 Highways, Butler invites you to explore the many shopping opportunities from antiques to freshly baked goodies. It is easy to extend your visit south to Rich Hill to visit the Old World Mennonite Village and Store, or north to Adrian to see the Frontier Village, or further north to major cities. Butler is also the "gateway" to the Branson area, Truman Lake and the Lake of the Ozarks.

While in Butler, take time to drive around our historic square on original brick streets or take a walking tour of the square and view many nearby historic homes. Visit the Bates County Courthouse where the first electric lights shone in 1881, with it's quilt-pattern tile floors.
 

Gazebo on the court house
lawn, Butler Square

The Butler Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Butler are sure you will find Butler a great place to raise a family, spend a day or expand your business interests.

If you have any questions or anything we can help you with, feel free to drop by the Chamber Office for a warm welcome, current event and business information. Enjoy your visit!

Thank You To Everyone Who Made the Butler Shine on Project a Success
1000 folks turned out Monday evening July 19th to put Butler's name up in lights and set a world's record for the most simultaneous lit flashlights.  2011 will mark Butler's 130th anniversary as the oldest municipal power plant in continuous operation in the United States.