Johnson County Courthouse

The original 1842 Johnson County Courthouse was the site of the 1870 Old Drum trial, famous for George Graham Vest’s closing argument, known as “Tribute to a Dog.” The oration is said to be the origin of the phrase “a dog is a man’s best friend.” By act of legislature, Old Drum is now Missouri’s State Historic Dog!

Tours offered. A restored ca. 1907 one-room school and the Mary Miller Smiser Heritage Library and Johnson County Museum are adjacent. Admission: $5.