Cuba, Missouri

George Jamison and Wesley Smith founded Cuba in 1857. It was named after the island of Cuba, which at that time was in the news quite often due to the Spanish subjugation of its people. Cuba reminds me of a friend of mine who spent his entire 8-year naval career as a lowly Seaman. He humbly describes his military experience as follows: “If it moved, I saluted it – if it didn’t, I painted it”. In Cuba, everything that doesn’t move is a canvas for a detailed technicolor mural memorializing an aspect of the towns past. If it weren’t so conveniently located next to Interstate 44 in central Missouri, we wouldn’t recommend this town. But on the other hand, never have I seen a small town go to such extents to maximize its strategic position on historic Route 66. This highway is a nostalgic thoroughfare that once was the main link between Chicago and Los Angeles. Nor have I witnessed such pride and painstaking efforts to make visitors aware of a town’s history. Cuba’s claim as a Town of Murals or “where art meets history” is no exaggeration. Have you ever seen a small town celebrate and illustrate its utility boxes? Neither have I. It is a wonder that the town hasn’t painted its manhole covers to honor its subterranean sewer sludge. Then Cuba could sponsor a Feces For Farmland Fertilization Festival. Think of the possibilities. But seriously folks, if you happen to be traveling on I-44 in south-central Missouri, stop by and marvel the mural artwork in this small town.