The topography of this region of Missouri is diverse. It includes farmlands and pastures spreading through gentle valleys and over wooded terrain. It also includes rugged forested hills and some of the most beautiful streams found anywhere in Missouri.

It is reported that Jesse Ballew, in 1820, was the first white settler within the bounds of what was later to become Laclede County. Between the years of 1835 and 1840 the area was surveyed to be approved as Laclede County in 1849. A county seat then had to be found. Two tracts of land were donated at the present location where Lebanon is situated. Thus, in 1849, Lebanon was created as the county seat of Laclede County.

The community was first called Wyota after the early Indian inhabitants of the area. Later a highly respected minister requested the name be changed to Lebanon, after his hometown of Lebanon, Tennessee.

Early settlers of the area were mostly deer hunters and farmers from Tennessee, but as word passed from one person to another, people from all areas of the Northern and Eastern United States began to migrate to this new region. The people worked hard to build a thriving community.

At the time of the Civil War one could not find a more secluded town. As the war progressed it soon became evident that neutrality was no longer feasible. Companies of soldiers were raised for the South and North, with the town being occupied alternately by Confederate and Union soldiers.

Following the conclusion of the War, the residents of Lebanon refused to provide land for a railroad depot; therefore, the railroad track was built one mile from town. Later the commercial area of the town moved to the railroad, and the original site became known as Old Town.

Thus, a small town, nestled among flowering trees, cool streams, and rolling hills, continued its growth. The grandeur of the countryside seemed to act as a magnet attracting more and more people to Lebanon and Laclede County each year.

Today this beauty still surrounds a bustling, thriving town, making it a most enjoyable place to call home.