Explore Lawrence County
Theron Bennett Home
Theron Bennett, nationally known ragtime composer, lived in Pierce City until returning from college 1902 when he left to begin a career where his unseen future would become the past that we can now recall as his successful contribution to the music world.
Pierce City, MO Famous HomesSunset Drive In
The drive-in theatre is one of the few remaining in the area and families from Joplin and Springfield as well as farther away drive to Aurora to see movies here. It'
Aurora, MO TheatresFirst United Methodist Church
The United Methodist Church was built in 1881 at a location a few blocks north of its present location in 1903. Originally in the 1870s, the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Methodist Episcopal Church, South groups met in homes until both were able to build in 1881. In 1903
Pierce City, MO Historic Churches1922 Bandstand
The bandstand was damaged in the May 4, 2003, tornado but the base still stands in its original location on Walnut Street. The historic bandstand was rebuilt with a red roof (its original color) and rededicated in May 2004.
Pierce City, MO Historic Downtowns
Mt.Vernon Golf Course
Mt. Vernon's golf course features a nine-hole course, clubhouse, and golf cart rental and storage. There are a number of active leagues, including a senior men's league and Ladies' Golf Association.
Mt. Vernon, MO RecreationChapman School - Jolly Mill Park
The Chapman School was built in 1884 and originally located on the Chapman property about 2 miles from the Park. First called the "Hazel Hill," the school was later renamed "Hazel Dell," and eventually "Chapman." When it was closed in 1951
Pierce City, MO Historic SchoolhousesSt. Mary's Catholic Church
Up to 1883 all Catholics in the area belonged to St. Patrick's Church which was organized in 1871. But owing to the increased immigration of the Germans and Poles, some of these members requested Bishop Hogan for a parish of their own. The first St. Mary'
Pierce City, MO Historic ChurchesFirst Presbyterian Church
When the First Presbyterian Church was completed in 1916, the congregation started the service that day in the old church located at 129 E. Church and walked to the new Church to end the service. The interior woodwork and 1916 San Francisco World'
Aurora, MO Historic ChurchesHarold Bell Wright/Pierce City Museum
When the First Christian Church (aka Pierce City Christian Church) in Pierce City closed, its board decided to give the building to the community for a library. The building served as Pierce City's public library from 1933-2000
Pierce City, MO MuseumsHarold Bell Wright
Many know that Harold Bell Wright's, "Shepherd of the Hills" was the most widely read book of fiction in the history of publishing! Few know, however, that many of the places, events, and characters are based on actual models. There really was an "old shepherd of Mutton Hollow,&
Mt. Vernon, MO Famous PeopleMilitary Memorials
For those interested in military machinery, the following memorials can be seen on a short day trip to the following cites around the Pierce City area.
Pierce City, MO - M4 Sherman Tank
Cassville, MO - M60A3 Main Battle Tank
Purdy, MO - A-4 Skyhawk Fighter-bomber
Pierce City, MO Memorials