History

The History of the Lake

The Lake of the Ozarks was created by the construction of the Bagnell Dam, which began on Aug. 8, 1929, and completed in April 1931. With a surface area of 54,000 acres, the Lake was the largest manmade lake in the United States at the time of its completion, and one of the largest manmade lakes in the world.

Today, the Lake boasts more shore length at 1,150 miles than the state of California. The Lake draws in more than 5 million visitors every year

with more than 70,000 homes lining the shore.

Camdenton

Nicknamed "the Hub City of the Ozarks," Camdenton was founded in 1931 when residents from Old Linn Creek, which was to be flooded by the Bagnell Dam, settled up the valley. Today, Camdenton is home to scenic destinations such as Lover's Leap, Bridal Cave, and Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which offers a fascinating look at the ruined "castle" overlooking the Lake.

Eldon

What started as Peter Thompson's farm became the largest city in Miller County. Located north of the Lake, Eldon was incorporated in 1904 and fueled by the arrival of the Missouri Pacific Bagnell Branch and Eldon Roller Mills. The completion of the Bagnell Dam and Lake of the Ozarks led to massive growth in Eldon's tourism and hospitality industry, which is still very much active to this day.

Lake Ozark

After Bagnell Dam was completed in 1931, businesses re-opened the western side of the dam, known today as the City of Lake Ozark. While very

few of the original buildings of that generation have survived, the White House — built in 1932 — has been recently renovated.

Osage Beach

Platted in 1928 on the site of two existing towns, Zebra — named for the nearby striped bluffs — and Damsel, Osage Beach was incorporated in 1959. Named for the manmade sandy beaches on the banks of the Osage River, Osage Beach is home to the Grand Glaize Bridge — also known as the "Upside-Down Bridge" for its unique construction that offers travelers an unimpeded view of The Lake — and the historic Willmore Lodge, a 6,500-square-foot, 29-room lodge built for Union Electric in 1930 that today serves as a museum and home to the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

Versailles

The county seat of Morgan County since 1854, Versailles is rich in history, from its Mennonite heritage to its role as a temporary stop for both Union and Confederate soldiers. The old Martin Hotel, a 26-room hotel built in 1878, now serves as a museum for the area. Today, Versailles is home to the annual Versailles Saddle and Sirloin Club's rodeo, the Morgan County Fair and the Versailles Old Tyme Apple Festival.

West Side

Driving north on Route 5 out of Camdenton provides a beautiful scenic drive for travelers, as well as some communities that sprung up along the Lake such as Hurricane Deck, Sunrise Beach and Laurie, plus historic Gravois Mills, which was platted in 1884. Eight caves along the Lake's West Side have opened to the public since 1932, including Jacob's Cave near Gravois Mills.