October 26, 1906

Located in Independence County roughly between Batesville and Newport, the town of Magness voted to receive official incorporation. Starting out as a depot in 1882 for the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad, Magness is named to honor Colonel Morgan Magness and his son, William Denton Magness, who were early settlers of the area and were integral to securing the right-of-way for the railroad. The town’s incorporation celebration included the firing of anvils.