National Register Listing

Dam and Spillway in the Hatchery Area at Montauk State Park

Off MO 119, Salem, MO
Local significance of the structure:
Conservation; 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.

Mark Twain, one of America's most beloved authors, was born in Florida, Missouri, in 1835. He later moved to Hannibal, Missouri, where he set many of his famous stories, including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn".
Missouri random facts
Dent County, Missouri has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1851. Named after a prominent politician and lawyer, Lewis Dent, the county was initially established as a result of the expansion of railroad lines in the region. The construction of the Southwestern Branch of the Pacific Railroad attracted settlers and led to the establishment of Dent County as a separate entity.

During its early years, Dent County's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with tobacco, corn, and livestock farming being the main sources of income for residents. However, the county quickly became known for its vast forestry resources. The presence of numerous rivers and creeks in the area facilitated the logging industry, which in turn played a crucial role in shaping the county's economic development.

Like many other areas in Missouri, Dent County was not spared from the aftermath of the American Civil War. Some of the county's citizens were actively involved in the conflict, with some fighting for the Union Army and others supporting the Confederacy. The war resulted in a significant loss of life and property, and it took many years for the county to recover.

Today, Dent County has evolved into a vibrant community that embraces its history while also looking toward the future. With the decline of the logging industry, the county has diversified its economy, focusing on tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare. The beautiful landscapes, including the Mark Twain National Forest and the 37-mile long Current River, make Dent County an appealing destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, the county prides itself on its close-knit community, annual events, and efforts to preserve its historical sites, ensuring that the heritage of Dent County remains a vital part of its identity.

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

  • 1835 - Dent County is established as a county in the state of Missouri.
  • 1840 - The first post office is established in Dent County.
  • 1851 - The first courthouse in Dent County is constructed.
  • 1861 - Dent County experiences significant unrest during the American Civil War.
  • 1870 - The first railroad is built in Dent County.
  • 1904 - The Dent County Courthouse is destroyed by fire.
  • 1905 - A new courthouse is constructed in Dent County.
  • 1930 - The population of Dent County reaches its peak at over 19,000 residents.
  • 1950s - Dent County experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the railroad industry.
  • 2000 - Dent County's population begins to slowly increase again.