Carter County is located in the southern portion of Missouri and was established in 1859. The county seat is Van Buren and the population at the time of the 2010 census was 6,265. The county was named for Zimri A. Carter, a prominent pioneer from Giles County, Tennessee who settled in this area. Agriculture has been an important part of the economy here since its earliest days with corn being one of the major crops grown in Carter County. Other industries that have contributed to economic growth include timber harvesting, manufacturing, and tourism.