Marker Erected by: Ray County Historical Society.
Date Marker Erected: 1970.
County of Marker: Ray.
Location of Marker: MO-10 & N. 1st St., Hardin Central Schools lawn.
Marker Text:
Named for Governor C.H. Hardin, incorporated in 1870 with James Darby the first Mayor. Located on the Santa Fe and Wabash railroads in rich Missouri River bottom land.
The John Vanderpool family came from Tennessee in 1815 and settled at Buffalo near the present town of Hardin, being the first white settlers west of Grand River.
The town is noted for its grain and livestock industry.
Forrest Smith who grew up near Hardin was Governor of Missouri 1949 - 1953.
Hardin is proud of its fine churches, schools and business establishments.