History of Cuba, Missouri
Cuba, population of 3,447, is the largest city located entirely within Crawford County, Missouri. It is located along Historic Route 66 at the crossroads of Interstate 44 and Scenic Highway 19 about 80 miles southwest of St. Louis. Cuba has long been known as the "Gateway to the Ozarks" and has recently been designated as the "Route 66 Mural City" for its 12 historic murals located along Route 66 through the city.
How Cuba got its Name
One pioneer by the name of George Jamison wanted to name the town after his wife, Amanda - he already had a post office named after her just a mile and a half west of town. Someone suggested it be named after the island of Cuba - it was much in the news at that time due to the brutish rule of Spain over its people, evoking much sympathy among the Americans. (There was even talk of the United States buying the island.)
The dilemma was resolved in a novel way. Although the details have been lost in the mists of time, the story is that a stick of wood - of what species, how tall and of what girth, we don't know - was stood on
end, and if it fell a certain way, the name would be Cuba. Another version says that a stick was tossed into the air with the same rules as in the other story.
Thus it was that in 1857, the beginning of Cuba was less than auspicious. Yet, there was a hint of boldness, of innovation in its style. This town had a spirit, energy and a vision that over the years would set it apart from most small rural communities - and large ones too. These attributes would lead it to successes far beyond the wildest expectations - even dreams - of Jamison and his co-founder Wesley Smith, of whom it is thought to have come up with the suggestion of Cuba for the name.
Today, the city has a mayor-council form of government, with city wide planning and zoning, along with modern, well-trained police and fire departments.
Location, Location, Location
Cuba's location was served well by the Mother Road, Route 66, and its predecessors, and now by Interstate 44. Highway 19, a major north and south artery, serves as a major route south to the recreational center of the Ozark Mountains, renowned for its floating streams, campgrounds and some of the most beautiful scenery in the nation.
Highway 19 south between Cuba and Steelville recently had a major realignment, including a completely relocated modern bridge near Stellville, the county seat.
Cuba is just 80 miles from St. Louis with all it offers: major league hockey, baseball and football, the world renowned Arch, one of the nation's finest zoos, the Muny Opera, Laclede's Landing, the Science Center, the Planetarium, the Jewel Box and much more.