National Register Listing

Roaring River State Park Deer Leap Trail

Off Park Rd., Cassville, MO
Local significance of the structure:
Landscape Architecture; Entertainment/recreation; Politics/government; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The state of Missouri was the birthplace of the ice cream cone. It was invented by a Syrian immigrant named Ernest Hamwi who was selling waffles at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis. When an ice cream vendor ran out of dishes, Hamwi rolled up one of his waffles to hold the ice cream and the ice cream cone was born.
Missouri random facts
Barry County, Missouri is located in the southwestern part of the state and has a rich and diverse history. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage, Delaware, and Kickapoo. European settlement began in the early 19th century, with the arrival of French fur trappers and traders. However, it was not until the 1830s and 1840s that significant numbers of settlers, mostly from Tennessee and Kentucky, began to establish permanent communities in the area.

In 1835, Barry County was officially organized and named after William Taylor Barry, a prominent politician and Postmaster General under President Andrew Jackson. The county's early economy was primarily agricultural, with farmers growing crops such as corn, wheat, and tobacco. The discovery of lead and zinc deposits in the late 19th century brought about a boom in mining activities, leading to the establishment of several mining towns within the county.

During the Civil War, Barry County was divided, with residents split in their loyalties between the Union and the Confederacy. The county saw its fair share of skirmishes and raids throughout the war, but ultimately remained under Union control. Following the war, the county slowly recovered and experienced gradual growth in population and economy.

Today, Barry County has evolved into a blend of agriculture, industry, and tourism. The county's rich natural resources, including the Mark Twain National Forest and numerous lakes and rivers, attract visitors who enjoy outdoor recreation activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. The county's agricultural sector continues to thrive, with farmers producing fruits, vegetables, livestock, and dairy products. Additionally, manufacturing and health care sectors have emerged as important contributors to the county's economy.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Barry County, Missouri.

  • 1835 - Barry County is established as a county in Missouri.
  • 1873 - The city of Cassville becomes the county seat.
  • 1901 - The Frisco Railroad is built, connecting the county to the rest of the state.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits the county hard, leading to economic hardships for many residents.
  • 1960s - The poultry industry becomes a major economic driver in the county.
  • 1980s - Tourism grows in importance, with attractions like Roaring River State Park attracting visitors.
  • 2002 - The county sees population growth and increased development.
  • 2011 - The city of Monett experiences a tornado, causing significant damage.