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Pierce City, Missouri

Harold Bell Wright was born in Rome, NY in 1872 and traveled extensively as a young man following the death of his mother. .... Deeply religious, Wright became a traveling minister before taking permanent churches in Pierce City, Missouri, other Missouri cities, Kansas, and other states. His first book, That Printer of Udell's, was actually a multi-part sermon that Wright delivered to his congregation in Pittsburg, Kansas in 1902.....

Harold Bell Wright, an ailing minister-author who traveled to the Ozarks for his health discovered much more than he sought in the hill country. As he regained his strength in the healthful, peaceful atmosphere, he began writing a manuscript which would become the fourth most widely-read book in publishing history. It would also spark a nationwide interest and bring the first wave of tourism into the Missouri Ozarks.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The Hansard House

Dr. Hansard sold the west section of his property on Washington Street for the construction of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in 1901. The house was built circa 1872

Pierce City, MO Historic Homes

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 Homes

First National Bank Building (no longer standing)

THIS BUILDING WAS DEMOLISHED AFTER SUSTAINING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE IN THE MAY 4, 2003, TORNADO.

The old First National Bank building was located next to the bandstand was built in the 1890s. After the Lawrence County Bank (on the opposite corner) was dissolved in the mid-1920

Pierce City, MO Architecture

Shepherd Sawmill - Jolly Mill Park

The Shepherd family has operated sawmills in this area for many years. The family built this sawmill to honor all members of the family. The sawmill is steam powered by a 1918

Pierce City, MO Historic Mills

Chapman 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 Schoolhouses

Things to do near Pierce City, MO

Cedar Haven Mini-Golf

Eighteen-hole mini-golf open to the public....

Bittersweet Gallery

Ralph Foster Museum

A general museum relating to Ozarks history and culture plus items from around the world housed on the College of the Ozarks ...

Opera House (no longer standing)

Chapman School - Jolly Mill Park