The Platte County Agricultural Society was officially established on June 2, 1941, following a formative meeting of approximately 50 local farmers and business leaders. The Society’s inception was accelerated by generous philanthropic offers of land and capital, contingent upon the formal organization of the entity.  The successful launch of the Society is largely credited to the tireless efforts of M. M. Taylor, President of the Central National Bank. Mr. Taylor was instrumental in securing two foundational gifts: a $5,000 cash donation from Mr. Theo Friedhof and a critical 84-acre land grant from Mrs. Albert H. Gehner. These initial resources allowed the Society to begin its mission, with the grounds initially serving dual purposes for livestock housing and active crop and beef production, which continued through 1959.