[5] The community was settled in the early 19th century[6] and bears the name of Isaac Hart, a pioneer citizen.

Lt. Col. John Wimer of the Confederacy, who had served two nonconsecutive terms as mayor of St. Louis, was killed in the battle and was buried at Hartville.

[8] The Grovespring Tornado in 1959 destroyed most of Hartville's business district, including the post office.

There were no major injuries since a warning alarm had given the citizens time to take cover.

[9] Kelton House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.

There were 305 housing units at an average density of 469.2 per square mile (181.2/km2).

37.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.