Kennett, Missouri
Chamber of Commerce

From its beginnings as an early Native American village amid virgin timber fields and cypress swamps, Kennett today lays claim to the title of agricultural powerhouse.  A massive drainage effort dating back to the late 19th century, and continuing on up through The Great Depression, turned original swamplands into the some of the most fertile farm fields in the entire state of Missouri and created the nation's largest drainage district.  As a result, Kennett and the surrounding area are now the state's largest producer of cotton, rice, watermelon and cantaloupes.