Chariton County

Mendon was laid out in 1871 by Christopher Shupe. However, the area had previously had some homes, and businesses were in operation in the area several years prior to the town plat actually being filed. Among the earliest was a general store built around 1865 by Mr. Bostich and Mr. Eastman.

Although the Santa Fe railroad still passes through regularly, little remains of Mendon’s business community. Education for the town and surrounding rural area is provided by Northwestern High School.

Mendon’s proximity to the Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge has proven a source of income for the community, with business catering to waterfowl hunters who come to the region. Primary businesses in Mendon include Gabbi Jo’s Stop and Go Grill and convenience store, MFA petro card station and AGRIServices of Brunswick, a feed and farm store and grain elevator.