Doniphan, Missouri, is a city rich in history and community pride. Located just ten miles from the Arkansas border, Doniphan rests along the banks of the iconic Current River in central Ripley County. Our city was named after Alexander William Doniphan, a celebrated colonel during the Mexican-American War. Ripley County itself was established in 1833, named after Brigadier General Eleazer Wheelock Ripley, a War of 1812 veteran.

Once home to one of the largest railroad tie industries in the country, Doniphan proudly wore the title of “Railroad Tie Capital of the World.” For nearly a century, a vital rail terminus helped transport timber across the country—until the 1970s flood halted that chapter in our history. While those rails are gone, the legacy of industry and resilience lives on in the hardworking people who call Doniphan home.

The city’s beauty is shaped by forested hills, spring-fed streams, and the clean, clear waters of the Current River. Agriculture and timber remain cornerstones of the local economy, while tourism continues to grow as a major asset thanks to our natural surroundings and outdoor recreation.

Our mission—“Building on the past … Preparing for the future”—reflects our commitment to preserving the small-town values that define us while planning ahead to serve our citizens with innovation, transparency, and care.

As a city, we strive to be:

• Welcoming to all people regardless of background.
• Responsive to the needs of our residents and businesses.
• Transparent in our decision-making and government processes.
• Ambitious about sustainable growth and economic development.

With dedicated officials, community-minded citizens, and a promising future, Doniphan continues to thrive as a beacon of rural Missouri pride.