In the mid-19th century, many Americans took off on the Oregon Trail in search of new lands and opportunities. Its main departure points were in Missouri, and the route stretched 2,000 miles to California. More than 400,000 pioneers traveled the long and grueling trail.
Yet before getting further away from civilization and the supplies they’d need, many stopped at C.C. Branneky General Merchandise in what was once called Pattonville, Missouri. While the name of the business, the name of the town and even the store’s building have all changed over the years, Branneky True Value Hardware in Bridgeton, Missouri, remains owned and operated by descendants of founder C. C. Branneky.
