Area Information

We invite you to explore this beautiful region of the Ozarks and turn a vacation into a permanent lifestyle here in Mt Vernon Missouri in the beautiful Ozarks of Southwest Missouri . . It serves as the county seat and is home to the historic three-story stone Lawrence County Courthouse, which was constructed in 1901. John Williams was the first settler in the county, setting up his household in 1831, just south of Mt. Vernon along Turnback Creek. Most early settlers came from Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, and Virginia.

Mt. Vernon has a number of private physicians, optometrists, dentists, and chiropractors. In addition, it is home to Missouri Rehabilitation Center, Missouri Veterans' Home / Mt. Vernon, and the Veterans' Administration Gene Taylor Satellite Outpatient Clinic. Services to the elderly are provided through the Lawrence County Manor and Residential Care Facility. A medical complex, completed in late 1991, is Williams Medical Center. Mt Vernon is also home to Mid America Dental, Hearing and Vision Center, Heart of America Eye Care, and Hearing Crafters of America. The 898-acre University of Missouri Southwest Research Center is devoted to helping the area's agricultural economy. It is noted for its works in grains, forages, horticulture, pasture, and livestock management. Two state colleges and several private colleges are within 40 miles. Mt. Vernon's Class AAA school system includes three schools--an elementary, middle, and high school. The district also provides vocational training through the Southwest Area Career Center. The public library provides extensive services and houses the Lawrence County Historical Society's genealogy collection. Mt. Vernon is situated conveniently between two popular lakes-- Table Rock and Stockton (pictured). It lies at the gateway of the Ozark Mountain Parkway, scenic Route 265, which leads to the Branson tourist area. Among the many attractions within easy driving distance are the Branson music shows, Silver Dollar City, Shepherd of the Hills Farm, Roaring River State Park and Trout Farm, Elk River canoeing, the Passion Play in Eureka Springs, AR, and Fantastic Caverns. Closer to home are The Precious Moments Chapel, and the Mickey Owen Baseball School. "Apple Butter Makin' Days." It all started back in 1967. The inspiration: the beauty and appeal of this area at a time when apple picking is nearly complete, a time when the approaching autumn paints the Ozark woods in brilliant colors. Local people famous for making apple butter cook in huge copper kettles over open fires on the courthouse lawn. Baskets of apples are peeled, and before dawn the fires are built and the long, arduous cooking procedure begins. The huge copper kettles used have histories of their own, some being over 100 years old. Hundreds of booths featuring handcrafts and artwork, along with concessions, surround the square. Live entertainment and old-fashioned games fill both days of the festival.

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