Downing is a city in Schuyler County, Missouri, United States.

In the spring of 1841, a crude log cabin was built for use as a school near Henry Downing's home and Miss Esther Hathaway was employed as a teacher.

During the Civil War, on July 1, 1862, a small skirmish took place near Cherry Grove.

Cavalry from the second battalion, Eleventh Missouri State Militia, a pro-Union force, engaged a small number of Confederate troops under Colonel Joseph C. Porter.

Porter's outnumbered forces were defeated, with four killed and several men and horses captured.

At the time of the skirmish, Porter was heavily involved in recruiting men in northeast Missouri for the Confederate cause.

The following month, he would suffer a larger defeat some twenty-five miles southwest at the Battle of Kirksville.

The town's location on the Keokuk & Western railroad provided opportunity for the convenient shipment of goods, crops, and livestock from the Downing area.

The Downing Railroad Depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983 and now serves as a museum.

[9] The depot was moved approximately one-quarter mile from its original trackside location and now serves as the centerpiece of a city park with other nearby buildings, including the former Downing jail.