Big Spring

When the Moore family first settled there, there were Indian camps all along the bottom land. This spring puts out up to 13 million gallons of water a day, and has been a popular family picnic site for over a hundred years. It is located just beyond Rebel's Bluff and Old Shepherd's Grave at Williams Cemetery.

Spring River and Honey Creek, had Native American villages and campsites every quarter of a mile of its length, and "arrowhead" collecting is still a pastime for local buffs.

Early inhabitants included in the Hopewell-Mississippian people, followed by the Osage, Algonquins, (Kickapoo and Delaware). The "Indian Removal Act of 1830" forced these people off the land and opened it up for the first white settlers in 1831.

Address: West Highway

Rebel's Bluff

Mt. Vernon, MO

The 2nd "Old Jail"

The county's first log jail burned in 1854, and a brick structure was built on Walter Street a block west of the square. It is presently undergoing reconstruction for historical preservation. It was used until 1868, and had an original cost of $3,500.

Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer Life