History:

Bolivar has existed as a city since November 10, 1835, when proclaimed as such by the Polk County Court and designated as the county seat. Bolivar was organized as a fourth-class city on February 15, 1881.

Early settlers in the area came primarily from Tennessee, and chose the future site of Bolivar in part because of Keeling Spring, and in part because it lay along the trail used by the Overland Stage.

The naming of both the town and county resulted from suggestions put forth by the Campbell brothers, three grandsons of Ezekial Polk, who had settled here with their families. The county was named Polk in honor of their grandfather, who was a distinguished colonel in George Washington’s Revolutionary Army.

The city was named after the town of Bolivar in Tennessee, where the Campbell brothers had lived prior to settling here, which was in its turn named after General Simon Bolivar, ‘El Liberator’, who was also known as ‘the George Washington of South America’.

Mission & Objectives:

The Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce is organized for the purpose of advancing the commercial, industrial and civic interests of Bolivar, Missouri and its trade area.

The mission of the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce is to support the business and community interest of Bolivar, Missouri and its trade area.

Our primary goals are to strengthen our local economy, to promote the community, provide networking opportunities, represent the interest of business with government, and develop community leaders.