Napoleon: Missouri River and Local History

In Napoleon, views of the Missouri River meet a rich local history. The river shapes the landscape, plays a role in local operations, and is connected to an endurance event. Names, a church, and historic trail markers offer further perspectives on the town. This makes Napoleon interesting for travelers who want to combine river scenery and history in one stay.

Missouri River: Landscape and Connection to the Water

The Missouri River can be seen from Napoleon. A Corps of Engineers park at the foot of the hill on Route 224 offers benches and access to the banks of the Missouri River. The Missouri River Area Office is also located in Napoleon and carries out or oversees river operations and maintenance work, as well as related construction contracts.

The Missouri River Area Office boat ramp in Napoleon is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; it is closed on federal holidays. Check the hours before your trip if you plan to use the ramp.

Water sports also have a specific connection to the town: the Missouri River Area Office has supported the 340-mile MR340 endurance race since its first race in 2006. Participants use the Napoleon boat ramp for short resupply stops. Historically, Napoleon had a natural landing for steamboats on the Missouri River. Thus, the steamboat landing and the MR340 resupply stops represent different connections to the river.

Local History and Historic Traces

Before it was platted as Napoleon, the settlement was known as Poston's Landing. Around 1854, Dr. James Belt began improving the settlement and named it Lisbon. While the settlement was called Lisbon, the post office kept the name Napoleon. Napoleon was named after Napoleon Bonaparte. For families traveling with children, the difference between the town's name and the post office's name can make for an engaging conversation.

Evangelical St. Paul's Church in Napoleon was founded in 1875. The church and its associated cemetery are linked to viewpoints overlooking the Missouri River region from a hilltop. An observation platform there overlooks the river valley, which lies about 150 feet below.

A marker for the Potawatomi Trail of Death is located in Napoleon City Park. On October 28, the Potawatomi passed through Napoleon and camped outside town at Fire Prairie Creek. A marker for the Santa Fe Trail is located near Napoleon on Old Santa Fe Trail Road; the trail is associated with the period from 1821 to 1872. Before visiting, check local conditions at the observation platform and markers, as well as access to the riverfront park.

Choose the Focus of Your Stay

When choosing a vacation rental in Napoleon, a simple question can help you decide: would you like your stay to focus more on the river landscape and the MR340, or on local and trail history? The viewpoints, historic names, and markers offer different ways to explore these themes.

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