The following communities surround Whiteman AFB: California, Clinton, Cole Camp, Concordia, Higginsville, Holden, Independence, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Knob Noster, La Monte, Lexington, Lincoln, Marshall, Sedalia, Versailles, Warrensburg, Warsaw and Windsor.

California was originally founded as the township of Boonesborough in 1834 and later as the city of California in 1848. The story is told that the city was named after an early settler named California Wilson. According to the legend, California Wilson told two men during a "house raising" he would buy local residents two gallons of whiskey if they would name the town after him.We don't know if Mr. Wilson made good on his promise, but it makes a good story!

California is the county seat of Moniteau County and is located 22 miles west of the state capital, Jefferson City, on U.S. Highway 50. The Missouri River runs along the northeastern border of the county.

Missouri's Historic Square District in Clinton looks as if one stepped back in time to the 1800's. There's more than 150 services and retail shops where you'll find unique jewelry, high-fashion clothing, an array of gift items, and even an old-fashioned soda fountain.

Spend the day discovering a host of services and friendly, caring folks who can assist with everything from home decorating to insurance. The specialty shops will overwhelm you with a selection of antiques, craft supplies and many other treasures.

Cole Camp is an historic town located where the Ozarks meet the great prairies in Benton County. It dates from its first post office in 1839, and it was the site of one of the first battles of the Civil War. The town boasts several buildings from pre-Civil War times and the downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The town has a strong German heritage, still evident in the many German festivals and heritage events, and in the large number of the 1,025 residents who still speak the Low German brought over by their ancestors.

Old homes and farmsteads dot the countryside, recalling years past. The rich soil of the prairie and creek bottoms provide for excellent farming with fields of corn, soy beans and wheat. The production of beef completes the agricultural picture of the area.