The settlement of Boone County began with the arrival of explorers and settlers in the late 1860s.

The initial settlement was encouraged by the expansion of railroads and the availability of land under the Homestead Act of 1862.

[6] The community of Albion was platted in 1872 and became the county seat after a contest with the town of Boone.

Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy, with wheat, corn, and later oats being predominant.

[6] The development of Boone County was relatively rapid thanks to its fertile soil and the dedication of its settlers.

The railroad, reaching Albion in the early 1880s, played a crucial role in the county's growth, providing access to markets for agricultural products and bringing in more settlers.

The county's population and infrastructure expanded, with schools, churches, and businesses being established to support the burgeoning agricultural community.