Reynolds County Missouri History |  Historic Landmarks
Historical Places in Reynolds County MO

For a directory of Lodging, Bed and Breakfast Inns, Hotels, Cabins, Cottages and Campgrounds in Reynolds County Missouri, please click here.  All of our fine hosts are ready to help plan your Missouri history tour of Reynolds County, MO.

Reynolds County Missouri - Reynolds County was organized in 1845, however long before this designation, many early pioneers braved the risk, hardship and sacrifice in search of their dream. . .a more productive and rewarding life in our Ozark Region.  In 1812 Henry Fry, who is said to have come from Kentucky as the first pioneer, settled on the Middle Fork of the Black River area in what is now Reynolds County.  After the Louisiana Purchase, there were ongoing discussions in established states east of the Mississippi, about when the new "Missouri Territory" would become a state of the Union. At the same time, land in our region was being offered to veterans of the War of 1812. Pioneer families from the hills of Kentucky and Tennessee began to slowly and steadily move to our region.  The civil war era presented tumultuous times for these early settlers, in some cases pitting brother against brother and fathers against sons.  Many notable historic landmarks are present in Reynolds County including Fort Barnesville, on the National Register of Historic Places.  You can read about Missouri Civil War History in Reynolds County by clicking here. Notably, after the famous Gads Hill Train Holdup in 1874, Jesse James and his gang made their escape up the Black River along the Lesterville Road, seeking food and lodging from farmowners along the West Fork of the Black River in Reynolds County. According to news accounts, "in all instances they behaved very genteelly" and paid all their bills "lavishly." By 1890, there were 6,803 people living in Reynolds County.   Please see our historic towns directory to tour and learn more about the historic towns and landmarks of these early settlers in Reynolds County, MO.

If you are researching genealogy in Reynolds County Missouri, please see
this genealogy page for helpful information and resources.  Better yet, travel to our region for a
family history vacation and see for yourself!  Stop in Ellington and visit the Reynolds County Museum
where you'll find helpful people and helpful information when researching your family history.

Join Reynolds County Genealogy on Facebook!
Be certain to explore all of the "favorite pages" listed on the page.


Brand new Reynolds County Historical Society & Museum - Grand Opening celebrated in May 2011!
Visit the new website here!

233 South 2nd St
Tuesday 10-7
Wednesday 10-5
Thursday/Friday/2nd Saturday of month 10-4
Call 573-663-3233

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River Valley Region Association
Bringing Travelers the Best of Missouri Historic Towns and Landmarks