Fulton to Celebrate 200 Years with Founders Day on August 1, 2025

FULTON, MO — The community of Fulton is preparing for a milestone celebration 200 years in the making. In honor of its bicentennial, Fulton will host an official Founders Day Celebration on Friday, August 1, 2025, marking two centuries of rich history and growth.

Community members and visitors are encouraged to mark their calendars for a special ceremony from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on August 1, tentatively scheduled to be held in the Brick District, where the city will reflect on its past and celebrate the people and progress that define it.

Leading up to the ceremony, Fulton's bicentennial will come to life through interactive and family-friendly experiences. A selfie challenge will invite residents to snap photos around town and submit them as part of a collaborative art project that will form a “Fulton 200” photo mosaic, capturing the faces and moments that tell the city’s story. Coloring pages for children will also be distributed at local businesses, schools, and events, encouraging the youngest Fulton residents to take part in the celebration.

“We are excited to honor Fulton’s 200th anniversary with events that pay tribute to our history while inspiring future generations,” said Bruce Hackmann, Kingdom of Callaway Historical Society board member and event organizer. “This is more than a birthday. It’s a moment for reflection and renewed community pride.”

Residents, former residents, and visitors are invited to take part in the festivities.
Those interested in supporting or sponsoring the event are encouraged to reach out to Bruce to learn more about partnership opportunities.

Stay up to date on bicentennial announcements by visiting https://www.callawaychamber.net/fulton-founders-day/ and following @CallawayChamberofCommerce, @CallawayMoHistory, @BrickDistrictFulton, and @CityofFulton on Facebook.

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August 1, 1825, is recognized as the founding date of Fulton, the second county seat of Callaway County. Three commissioners appointed by the Missouri General Assembly chose the site for the town three days earlier and named it Volney after a French infidel. At the insistence of Robert Dunlap, a local landowner, the county commission agreed to change the name on August 1 to Fulton in honor of the inventor of the steamboat. The original town of Fulton comprised 50 acres of land bought from George Nichols for $50.00 and contained 147 lots that went on sale for as little as $1.00 apiece beginning September 5, 1825.