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!

Hot News
Butler Photo Competition and Calendar

The Butler Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce a Photograph competition.  The entries should be seasonal local photos.  Digital format is highly preferred because twelve pictures will be selected for use in a calendar that the Chamber will compile.  These calendars will feature a winning photo each month along with the photographer’s name.  Local historic dates will also be noted.  The calendars should be available in time for Christmas gifts.  Please begin looking each month for those great shots of the Butler area.  Bring by the Chamber Office, 7 W. Dakota or email to executivedirector@butlermochamber.org  by November 10^th. All photos may be viewed on the Chamber website photo gallery.