National Register Listing

Bennett Spring State Park Shelter House and Water Gauge Station

Off MO A64, Bennett Spring, MO
Local significance of the building:
Entertainment/recreation; Politics/government; Architecture; 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.

architecture houses residential buildings
The "Show-Me State" is Missouri's official nickname and is believed to have originated from a speech given by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver in 1899. He said, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me."
Missouri random facts
Dallas County, Missouri has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware people. In the early 1800s, European settlers began moving into the region, attracted by the fertile lands and abundance of natural resources.

The county was officially established in 1841 and named after George M. Dallas, who was then serving as the Vice President of the United States. The county seat was initially located in Buffalo, but was later moved to the town of Dallas, named after the county itself. Dallas County played a significant role in the development of southwest Missouri, acting as a major trade center and transportation hub for both settlers and goods.

During the Civil War, Dallas County was closely divided between Union and Confederate sympathizers. This led to conflicts and skirmishes within the county, as well as the recruitment of soldiers on both sides. However, after the war, the county experienced a period of economic growth and expansion, with the establishment of new businesses and infrastructure projects.

In the 20th century, Dallas County saw further development and modernization. The construction of Route 66, one of America's most famous highways, traversed through the county and brought increased tourism and commerce. The county also experienced growth in its agricultural sector, with farming becoming a vital part of the local economy.

Today, Dallas County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Its rich history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, historic sites, and events, allowing residents and visitors to learn about and appreciate the county's past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Dallas County, Missouri.

  • 1833 - Dallas County is established as an original county in Missouri
  • 1841 - Buffalo becomes the county seat of Dallas County
  • 1844 - The county seat is moved to Decaturville
  • 1845 - Buffalo becomes the county seat once again
  • 1861-1865 - Dallas County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1870 - The current courthouse in Buffalo is completed
  • 1875 - The Missouri Pacific Railroad is constructed through Dallas County
  • 1937 - Bennett Spring State Park is established near Lebanon
  • 1995 - An EF3 tornado strikes Buffalo, causing significant damage