Life in a small town

  Bloomfield a small for the most part quiet little town nestled in South East Missouri and the county seat of Stoddard County. Home to the Stars and Stripes Museum and the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery. Bloomfield has a rich history dating back all the way back to the day it was founded in 1835. I am going to tell you a just a bit of history about the little ole town of Bloomfield but first I'm going to tell you how I see this town, my hometown. This town was built by hard work, the grace of god, and the hands of the people. When I wake up every morning I feel joy in knowing I live in such a great place, there are many great places out there but Bloomfield is like no other. We have some of the nicest people in the world that live here, everybody knows everybody as in any small town and everyone is willing to help those in need.


 We will great you with a smile and treat you with the upmost respect, we're old fashion around here, and we use yes ma'am, no ma'am, yes sir, and no sir. We believe in treating others the way you would want to be treated and going to church on Sunday morning. If you stop by you will be greeted with a warm Southern welcome and you won't leave with and empty stomach or without a smile on your face, Our smiles are big but our hearts are even bigger! We have some great tradition around here like the annual Christmas Basketball Tournament and Fall Festival where we all get together and enjoy just how great our small town be!

Now here is just a bit of history about our town. Some of the rich history of Bloomfield takes place during the civil war, The City of Bloomfield was the headquarters of a Confederate unit who was lead by Colonel Jeff Thompson. Thompson was later given the name “Swamp Fox” by Union soldiers for his ability to strike and then evade capture in the murky swamps. Crowley's Ridge was the only dry route to the north and south and this was well known by both sides which caused even more conflict. Bloomfield was later burned it is believed to be retreating Union soldiers who set the town ablaze.

Cool little bit of information in 1861 Union soldiers who were from Illinois published the first issues of the Armed Forces Newspaper known as the Stars and Stripes out of the abandoned Bloomfield Herald news paper office. The editor of the Bloomfield Harold was James O. Hull and we was believed to abandoned the office in the evening hours and tag along with Thompson's rebel forces as they left.

                                  (Pictures by Photographer Collin Julian (Me) Simple Life Photography.)

Bloomfield was reoccupied  in 1864 by Union forces and 3 fortified forts (two large and one small) were erected. The main large fort stood in the area which is now known as downtown Bloomfield, another of equal size to the main fort stood west of town off of J Hwy. in the area which is now the Dog Pound. The third and final fort smaller than the first two stood east of town. There is so much civil war history in Bloomfield and if you would like to know more I highly recommend you visit the Stars and Stripes Museum and the Bloomfield Library.


Bloomfield literally rose from the ashes, you know they always say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I believe that to be true. I also believe Bloomfield is a great example of that and we have grown so much and continue to grow!

Here is my advice for anyone wondering if making a move to a small town is a good idea. I say go for it, a small town is one of the best things and I believe everyone should experience it once in their life. It will be different from a big city but there is so much love and life in a small town and it doesn't get much better than that. Well its time for me to say goodbye until next time so remember to keep love in your hearts and a smile on your face because that's the best recipe for making someone's day!