This tall bluff spelled doom for a band of Confederate cavalrymen being chased one dark night by local Union troops. Unfamiliar with the terrain, the Rebels plummeted over the edge to their death below, where they lie buried today. A bent rifle barrel from the site is displayed at the local museum.
Many know that Harold Bell Wright's, "Shepherd of the Hills" was the most widely read book of fiction in the history of publishing! Few know, however, that many of the places, events, and characters are based on actual models. There really was an "old shepherd of Mutton Hollow,&
Mt. Vernon, MO Famous PeopleThe county's first log jail burned in 1854, and a brick structure was built on Walter Street a block west of the square. It is presently undergoing reconstruction for historical preservation. It was used until 1868, and had an original cost of $3,500.
Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer Life
In his book, "Old Matt's View of It," J.K. Ross wrote about the death of the Old Shepherd from Mutton Hollow. He was gored to death by a bull. A Civil War tombstone marks the grave of James Marion Wood, who met this untimely fate in 1910
Mt. Vernon, MO Cemeteries
Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce operates an office and visitor center at the start of the Ozark Mountain Parkway (Route 265)
Mt. Vernon, MO Railroad History
Williams Creek Park and the "Spirit of 76" Recreation Complex - Mt. Vernon's largest and newest park is the "Spirit of 76"
Mt. Vernon, MO RecreationCourse Access: Semi-PrivateHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 5 days...
Course Access: PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: 14 days...