The settlement of Harrison County began around 1838, although the land was not surveyed and opened for entry until 1842. The county is named after Albert C. Harrison who was a Missouri politician during the 19th century. Many of the early pioneers in the county settled along Sugar Creek and in the Bethany area. Three commissioners deliberated for several days to determine a site for the county seat and finally came to  the decision to place it in the southern part of the county. The original name for the community was Dallas. In June of 1845, John S. Allen was…

One block west of the Bethany square on Main Street sits Heirloom Hotel, an antique and collectible store housed in a hotel built in 1882. In 1882, Highway 69 ran north up what is currently 14th street and jogged onto Main Street before continuing around the square and out onto the existing Highway 69. It is at this jog that the Poynter family built a three-story hotel to house travelers along the dusty, dirt road highway. Locals are not sure when it was purchased and renamed the Gilson Hotel. However, it is believed it was during the 1920-30’s the owners…