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

Mt. Vernon, MO Archaeology

Grave of the Old Shepherd

In his book, "Old Matt's View of It," J.K. Ross wrote about the death of the Old Shepherd from Mutton Hollow. He was gored to death by a bull. A Civil War tombstone marks the grave of James Marion Wood, who met this untimely fate in 1910

Mt. Vernon, MO Cemeteries

The 3rd "Old Jail"

This imposing structure on the north side of the square was built at a cost of $16,000 in 1874 (two years before Custer's Last Stand)

Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer Life

Frisco Caboose and Visitor Center

Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce operates an office and visitor center at the start of the Ozark Mountain Parkway (Route 265)

Mt. Vernon, MO Railroad History

Harold 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 People

LASR.net Homepage

Big Spring

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Big Spring

Grave of the Old Shepherd

The 3rd "Old Jail"

Frisco Caboose and Visitor Center

Harold Bell Wright

Things to do Archaeology near Mt. Vernon, MO

Big Spring