History:

Randolph County was part of Howard County during the territorial days between 1860 and 1820. After Chariton County was created in 1820, Randolph County became a part of Chariton County until 1829. Randolph County was carved from its neighbor to the west, Chariton County, in 1829. Eight years later, a chunk of northern Randolph County helped create Macon County. In over 150 years, Randolph County as it now exists, has bid farewell to the native Fox and Sac Indians, endured war among families and neighbors, given birth to a magic city and watched industries come and go. Sometimes known as Little Dixie, the area was settled by pioneers from the southern states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Some were slave owners, others strict abolitionists. During the Civil War no major battles were fought on county soil, but the war took its toll. The North Missouri Railroad Company, with its north-south line, was a target of both sides. The town of Renick was burned twice and many families lost loved ones to their cause.

On September 27, 1866, the largest city in Randolph County was born, a product of a railroad auction. In connecting with the Chariton and Randolph Railroad at Moberly, the North Missouri Railroad Company began a legacy of railroading in the county lasting to this day. With the coming of the Wabash Railroad Shops in 1873, Moberly seemed to spring from the prairie overnight and was subsequently dubbed the "magic city."

A unique geographic feature of the county is the "great divide." This high ridge of land stretches from Boone County (to the south) to Iowa and is easily distinguished as one travels through the county. Interesting to note, water falling on the eastern slopes of this divide drains to the Mississippi River, while water falling on it's western slopes flows to the Missouri River. Moberly sits on a high point of this divide, and because of this, was thought to be safe from tornadoes. Unfortunately, this folklore was disproved on July 4, 1995 when a tornado ripped through the center of town.