If you want to know the history of Louisiana, Mo., just look at its buildings. It is not because they are dismal; rather, the town is showcasing its past through painted murals.

I’ve seen my fair share of murals on brick buildings in small towns, but nothing prepared me for what I found in this small town with a population of just over 3,000 people. Here there are more than 20 murals around the town. Actually, a tourist brochure claims 24 — but I found 25.

Louisiana is a town situated along the Mississippi River, along the eastern edge of the state in Pike County. In 2000, residents and community leaders formed the Louisiana Mural Organization to bring tourists to the town and provide a history lesson for its own residents. According to the brochure, the organization hopes the murals reflect the history, culture and people of Louisiana.

Stroll and see
The murals are easy to view — just take a stroll around town. There, you will see paintings of the historic Delta Queen steamboat arriving along the shoreline, or the old livery stables that stood on the south side of town. All the murals take you back in time.

It took artists years to create their brick building paintings. Not all of the murals were done by professionals. There are pieces tagged by the Louisiana High School advanced art class and the nearby Clopton High School Art Club. It was neat to see the younger generation taking an interest in art, history and small-town America.

On my quest to find all 24, I ran into one not on the list: an eagle painting on Mom and Pop’s Donuts & Diner. Still, I missed a few.

I did not capture “Honoring All Veterans” at the American Legion, “Stark Brothers Nursery,” “Pike County Wildlife” or “Plank Roads.” Frankly, I was exhausted, and these were located a little way out of town. All the ones seen in the slideshow are in walking distance of downtown Louisiana.

Next time you are in northeast Missouri, look up. You’ll want to see the history on the walls.