National Register Listing

Williams, John Siddle, House

a.k.a. Hickory Co. Museum

Off U.S. 54, Hermitage, MO
Local significance of the building:
Exploration/settlement; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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
Audiobooks about the history of Missouri.
The Missouri Ozarks region is home to the "Bald Knobbers", a vigilante group that formed in the 1880s to enforce the law in the area. They were named after the bald hilltops where they held their meetings and were known for wearing black hoods and using violence to maintain order.
Missouri random facts
Hickory County, Missouri has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware peoples. In the early 1800s, European settlers began arriving in the region, and the county was officially established in 1845.

One significant event in Hickory County's history is the construction of the historic Pomme de Terre Dam in the 1960s. This dam, located on the Pomme de Terre River, not only helped control flooding but also created the Pomme de Terre Lake. The lake has become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like boating, fishing, and camping.

Another notable aspect of Hickory County's history is its involvement in the Civil War. The county experienced both Union and Confederate sympathies, leading to conflicts and skirmishes throughout the area. Union troops eventually gained control of the region, and Hickory County became a vital route for supplies and troops during the war.

Over the years, Hickory County has remained largely agricultural, with farming and livestock playing a significant role in its economy. The county has also seen growth in the tourism sector, attracting visitors with its picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational activities.

Today, Hickory County continues to be a quiet and scenic area, offering a blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and a strong sense of community. It is a place where visitors and residents can enjoy the tranquility of rural life while appreciating its rich historical roots.

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

  • 1835 - Hickory County is established as a part of Missouri Territory.
  • 1836 - The county is officially organized.
  • 1837 - The first courthouse is built in Warsaw.
  • 1839 - The county seat is relocated to Hermitage.
  • 1862 - During the Civil War, Hickory County is occupied by Union troops.
  • 1884 - A new courthouse is constructed in Hermitage.
  • 1901 - The Chicago-Kansas City Express train service begins operating through the county.
  • 1961 - Pomme de Terre Dam is completed, creating Pomme de Terre Lake.
  • 1982 - The Pomme de Terre State Park is established.