Fulton, one of the largest towns in Bourbon county, is situated in the northeastern part of the county on the St. Louis & San Francisco R. R. 13 miles north of Fort Scott, the county seat. It was founded in 1869 and the following year several stores were opened. Grain elevators and a mill were built, and as the population grew two good hotels and fine public school buildings were erected. The name of the town at first was Osaga, but the similarity to Osage was confusing, and it was changed to Fulton. The first postoffice was established in 1869 under the name of Osaga, but was changed with the name of the town. In 1874 Fulton was incorporated as a city of the third class, since which time it has continned to prosper. The Methodist church was established in 1870 and a fine church edifice was soon after built. The Catholic church also perfected an organization. A lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in 1875 and in the early '80s the Masonic Lodge was established. The town is located in the midst of a rich farming district for which it is the supply and shipping point. In 1910 it had a population of 416.