Liberal was founded in 1880 by lawyer George Walser, who wanted to create a town of “free thinkers.” Surrounded by agriculture and generational family farms, Liberal is the second-largest town in Barton County.
The Shiloh School, a one-room schoolhouse located in Liberal, Missouri, is the oldest one-room schoolhouse in Barton County. The school was opened in 1869 and served students till 1952. It was originally 6.5 miles northwest of Liberal, but the school was relocated into Liberal, near the Liberal High school. The school also served as a stagecoach stop between Lamar, MO, and Ft. Scott, KS.
The Frisco Depot was built in 1881, though not in its original location. The depot has moved around Liberal over the years and currently resides on South Main Street, next to City Hall.
Shilo School
205 N Payne St, Liberal, MO 64762