In May 1872, Millard was surveyed and platted for S.F. and Maggie A. Miller. The town’s history also includes several church developments and other institutions of this historic place. Those considering Millard as a destination can therefore explore not only how the town was established, but also the distinct histories of its congregations. The sequence of dates makes clear that the town’s layout, the founding of a congregation, and the construction of a church were separate events.

Church History Across Two Timelines

The Presbyterian Church in Millard was founded in June 1870; its building was constructed in 1873–1874. The founding of the congregation and the construction mark distinct milestones: one describes the beginning of the congregation, while the other marks the later construction of its building. A pastor from Kirksville served the Presbyterian Church at least once a month for twenty years or more. Its history thus spans its founding, the construction of the church, and pastoral care that recurred over an extended period. The building followed the founding by several years.

The history of Dover Baptist Church took a different course. Shortly after Millard was laid out, the church moved there and became known as Millard Baptist Church. By 1890, the congregation had disbanded; some members went to La Plata, while others went to Kirksville. Kirksville thus appears in two distinct roles: as the destination of some Baptist members and as the hometown of the pastor who served the Presbyterian Church. This comparison shows two different developments in the town’s history.

A Look at the Historic Town

Historic Millard also included a schoolhouse and a warehouse. These institutions add two more features of the town at the time to its church history. Together with the 1872 survey and the events involving the congregations, they paint a picture encompassing the town’s layout, religious history, and other historical topics. The facts can be organized by theme to provide context: Millard’s beginnings, the development of its congregations, and the town’s other institutions. This gives you a clear framework if you’re interested in Millard’s historical background during your trip.

Getting There

There are two specific reference points for getting there. An official map from August 2021 shows U.S. Route 63 passing through Millard. If you travel through Millard on the David Hall Trail, continue west to reach Kirksville Regional Airport. The two directions answer different questions: the map shows the route through Millard, while the directions describe continuing west on the David Hall Trail to the airport. For a trip today, you can also check the current route, since the map dates from 2021.

When deciding whether Millard fits into your stay, you can weigh two interests: the town’s history and church history on the one hand, and the practicalities of the drive on the other. The historical dates offer insight into the town’s development; the road information helps with getting there. This can help you decide whether Millard interests you primarily for its history or as part of your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Kirksville

View the broader travel overview: Adair County.