Callao

About Callao


Founded in 1858 by Samuel Humphreys and Samuel Kern, Callao owes its unusual name to a chance occurrence. According to legend, townsfolk blindfolded a man, spun him around, and had him point to a map—his finger landed on Callao, Peru, and the name stuck.


The town grew with the arrival of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad in 1858, which established Callao as a stop along the line. A post office was established in 1859, and the community developed around farming—tobacco, corn, soybeans, and livestock shaping the local economy.


Callao celebrates its heritage through the Callao Heritage Society and landmarks like the Johnson Morrow House, a Queen Anne–style home built in 1912 and now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outdoor lovers will find plenty nearby, from Long Branch State Park to Young’s Lodge on the Chariton, a 300-acre retreat offering fishing, hunting, boating, and hiking.


Community spirit shines through in local events, especially the annual Callao Harvest Fiesta in August and the charming Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration in December.


Today, Callao remains a small but vibrant town where history, agriculture, and community pride converge in the heart of Macon County.

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Directions

  • RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

    36 & 3 Café

    319 Chestnut St

    Callao, MO 63534

    Phone: (660) 768-5440

    https://www.facebook.com/groups/363OneStop/

  • LODGING

    Young’s Lodge on the Chariton

    25331 Echo Avenue

    Callao, MO 63534

    Phone: (660) 768-5654

    Website: https://www.youngslodge.com/


    Young’s Lodge is a fully-functional historical lodge, located on 320 gorgeous acres which border the Chariton River, spacious enough for large parties or corporate events and retreats, but also includes private rooms if you are just looking for a quiet getaway. You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time when exploring our historic Callao lodge and accommodations. The Lodge provides gracious and state of the art accommodations for up to 10 guests. The Young’s Lodge Event Center hosts a modern style, premium service and contemporary flair and is designed to accommodate an array of functions. Whether you enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, outdoor cooking, shooting sports, hiking, fishing, or you are just getting into the great outdoors, we got it all. This stunning location is loaded with natural features that provide an intimate connection the moment you enter the property. 

  • MEETING AND EVENT SPACE

    Young’s Lodge on the Chariton

  • LOCAL EVENTS

    Callao Fiesta (annual)