
The Lake Area History Pages!
On the following pages you'll find all sorts of interesting facts and stories about the history of Missouri's scenic Lake of the Ozarks and the surrounding area. (You'll find a few tall tales and local lore mixed in as well!) The topics range from pre-history to the development of the area as a major vacation destination.
Hi, folks! My name is Mike Gillespie.
Over the past twenty-five years I've worked as a history teacher, a
tour guide, a researcher, and a writer. It's a pleasure to present to you these stories from days past. There's something for everybody here, and I'll add new topics as time permits, so come back often and I'll do my
best to entertain and inform you. Click here to preview upcoming topics of lake area history.
To begin your journey, simply click on a topic below. They're grouped by category.

MY LATEST BOOKS AND MAPS
BRIDGES AND DAMS
Old Linn Creek Suspension Bridge Photos
HA HA TONKA STORIES
Ha Ha Tonka, origin of the name

LEGENDS, TALES, AND ODDITIES
The Treasure of Watkins Holler
PANORAMAS, 3D VIEWS, AND SUPERIMPOSITIONS
PIONEER DAYS
Fort Carondelet, A Mystery in Time![]()

PLACE NAMES
Bagnell Dam, origin of the name
Benton County, origin of the name
Camden County, origin of the name
Hurricane Deck, origin of the name
Lake of the Ozarks, origin of the name
Miller County, origin of the name
Morgan County, origin of the name
Niangua River, origin of the name
Soap Creek, origin of the name
Versailles, origin of the name

VACATIONS PAST
1950s Casino Pier Advertisements
Conversation With A Retired Conservation Agent
WHAT LIES BENEATH?
The Myth of the Sunken Townsites
Comments? E-mail: Mike, at the Lake Area History Pages
The Lake of the Ozark Area History Pages are presented for entertainment purposes only. No warrant is made concerning the authenticity of material contained herein. These pages are not to be construed as an invitation or incentive, either expressed or implied, to engage in activity that might be deemed illegal, imprudent, or hazardous.
© 1999-2010 by Michael Gillespie. All rights reserved.

Click on the links below to visit other great Ozark regional sites...
Camden County Museum and Historical Society
Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau
Lake of the Ozarks Business Journal
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