The Restoration of a Civil War Landmark | The Iron County Courthouse | Ironton, Missouri | Landmark Landing

Iron County Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore, Christmas 2020

    Hello friends, welcome back to the blog. I wanted to discuss one of my favorite local historical buildings, the Iron County, Missouri Courthouse. It has recently undergone a transformation, and I wanted to share the updated appearance with you. For decades, the courthouse has sported red paint with white trim. My grandfather, Winfred Grogan was actually one of the painters hired with the task of painting the courthouse many moons ago. Recently, the paint has been stripped away to reveal the raw brick and mortar!

Iron County Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore, 2025

    Built in 1858 for $14,000, the courthouse was built in the Federalist and Greek Revival style, even featuring an octagonal gazebo on top. I feel the new look really highlights the Greek influences in the architecture. The project's architect was Henry H. Wright, accompanied by contractors George S Evans and William F Mitchell. A 110-foot addition would be added on in 1964 by architect Hutchens and Frangkiser of Kansas City, accompanied by contractor Bonnot Construction Company out of Ulman. The cost of the addition totaled to $113,241.

The Iron County Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore, 2025

    The Iron County Courthouse also saw its share of battle during the Battle of Pilot Knob, also known as the Battle of Fort Davidson on September 26th and 27th, 1864. At the beginning of the battle, rebel troops were advancing on the town of Ironton. Union soldiers were posted at the courthouse, prepared to defend. The fighting soon began with the Confederate's attack, with Federals returning fire from the courthouse lawn. 

Cannon fire damage on Iron County Courthouse, taken by Jennie Moore, 2025

    The 3rd M.S.M.'s Private Rector was killed by rebel gunfire, and the 47th Missouri Company E shot his killer dead. The Confederates returned with cannon fire, inflicting the damage to the courthouse that can still be seen today. Lt. Simonton and men, including a section of Montgomery's battery, pushed the rebels back to Shut In Gap, when the ordeal ended for the day at sunset on the 26th. 

    A lot of history has taken place here at the Iron County Courthouse since its construction in 1858. My grandparents, Darrell and Rosie Plummer even eloped in this very building in 1954, nearly 100 years after the famous battle took place. It will forever be one of my favorites in the area, and I recommend anyone to pay a visit to the historic courthouse complex when in Ironton. Thank you for reading and I hope you'll join me again next time!

Sources: 

- Iron County - American Courthouses

- Battle of Pilot Knob Historical Marker

- Iron County Courthouse Historical Marker

    

 

De Lassus, Missouri | Forgotten Settlements

 

Couple at the De Lassus Depot, early 1900s

     Hello everyone, and welcome back to the blog!  It's been a while, and I am so glad to see you again.  Before we get into today's article, I want to thank all of my readers for being so supportive and patient during this break.  As most of you know, I deal with physical health issues.  Back in spring, I found myself in a poor health state.  I needed to take some time away from my work to get to a better place.  I have had a great recovery, and am so excited to bring you new content that I hope you will love!

     As you may have noticed, this is the first installment in a new series!  Not to anyone's surprise, I am a big fan of small, bypassed, and historic areas.  If you're new, you may not know about my Small Town Saturday series.  In that series, I write about small towns and villages with populations under 1,000.  This series is called Forgotten Settlements, and will have a similar theme and layout to Small Town Saturday.  The different element of this series, is the communities featured will be abandoned, bypassed, or left to wither in time.  There will be locations you may have heard of, and some you haven't.  I'm very eager for this project, and hope you enjoy!

De Lassus, 2020

     Today's location is the community of De Lassus (also spelled DeLassus) in St. Francois County, Missouri.  De Lassus is located primarily within modern-day Farmington, with some of the community lying on the outskirts of the city limit.  You can find De Lassus by traveling on Highway 221 from Farmington, and turning on De Lassus Road less than one mile to the left.

     De Lassus was first platted in 1869, when the railroad was extended to that point.  At this time, the land was an estate granted by Spain, to Charles de Hault de Lassus de Luziere.  Charles was the last Spanish Lieutenant Governor of Upper Louisiana.  With this land grant, Charles made a plan for a prosperous city, one that could compete with nearby Farmington. 

De Lassus Depot, early 1900s

     The railroad extension through De Lassus was crucial for the town's founding, but De Lassus was not the first choice for this extension.  When the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad were creating plans for this new branch line, Farmington was chosen as a stop.  Officials in Farmington were keen on this idea, as the railroad would add another valuable asset to the city.  Though while plans began for this new project, Farmington officials made an interesting choice to aid in funding the construction.  Residents of Farmington were prompted to purchase railroad bonds, and this idea was heavily marketed to every social and financial class.  Though officials were optimistic, this proposition didn't go over as well as they had hoped.  The residents of Farmington promptly refused to purchase these bonds.  There were a few reasons for this response, a main reason being the U.S. was just 4 years out of the Civil War, causing financial strain on most families throughout the country.  This predicament was fatal for the railroad plans, and caused the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad to pull out completely. 

     Thankfully for the railroad, they caught wind of an up and coming town just two miles away where the branch line could be directed.  Soon, De Lassus became a stop on the Belmont Branch of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad, which now detoured Farmington completely.  This was amazing for the small village, bringing jobs, residents, and notoriety.  By 1870, a post office was opened under the name De Lassus, and the growth began. 

     Alanzo and Lizzie Overall (and family) next to their newly built home, 1895 (Photo courtesy of Gena Overall Sweeney)

     As the late 1800's progressed, De Lassus was doing well.  The town now consisted of 28 city blocks, two being set aside for commercial buildings.  Families were moving into the area, building homes and founding farms.  Small businesses popped up along the streets, providing for the locals.  Things were going so well, that De Lassus offcials, inculding Charles de Hault de Lassus de Luziere, grew their ambitions even further.  During this time, a proposition was made to move the county seat from Farmington to De Lassus, including building a brand new courthouse.  Although residents found this admirable, the idea was quickly denied and dismissed.  

     Regardless to this setback, progress was still being made in the town.  De Lassus became a very important railroad shipping point, a crucial asset for both Farmington and Doe Run.  This created several jobs for locals, positions that would last for decades.  Even in the railroad's final years, the segment which ran through De Lassus would aid the nearby State Hospital, (now Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center) by delivering goods such as coal, which the entire hospital campus ran electricity and boilers on.

De Lassus Tornado Damage

     With all of this rich, 19th century history in De Lassus, you may wonder why nearly all of the existing architecture dates no earlier than the 20th century.  This is due to a nearly forgotten tragedy that shook the De Lassus community in the early 1900's.  Between 10:00pm and 11:00pm on April 15th, 1912, a tornado touched down in St. Francois County.  Most towns and communities would come out unscathed, De Lassus was not so lucky.  The tornado ripped through De Lassus, destroying nearly all of the town.  Homes and businesses were flattened, along with several reported injuries.  The railroad freight house was completely swept away, the depot was severely damaged, and the De Lassus Hotel was beyond repair.  Among this devastation, the community banded together to rebuild.  The lumber from the hotel was repurposed to build new homes for the Overall, Yancy, Hill, and Cole families.  All four of which are still standing today!  The best news of all being, there were no reported fatalities. 

Lizzie Overall and son Donald Overall in front of rebuilt home, c. 1920 (Photo courtesy of Gena Overall Sweeney)

     After the reconstruction of the town, De Lassus continued to be home to the railroad, several businesses, and a school.  The Delassus School taught first through eighth grade, and graduated hundreds of children over the decades.  De Lassus contributed to the 144 8th grade graduates in the area in 1949, the last year of operation before consolidating with the Farmington School District.  Many former students have fond memories of the school, and their education there.  “My daddy went to school there and graduated from eighth grade there. He talked about how so many of the teachers were very young girls, often only a year or two older than some of the seventh and eighth graders” - Linda Russell on Facebook.

De Lassus School, c. 1900

Around the mid 1900's, changes started to arise for the local railroad. In 1904, the city of Farmington created their own solution to being bypassed by the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad. This solution would be an electric trolley system that ran throughout the city. These trolleys would primarily transport passengers, and was popular for doing so. Although by the 1940's, the electric railway was in desperate need for expansion. The city of Farmington and the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad would agree to connect their lines, creating a larger rail system. This allowed train access between Farmington, Hurryville, and De Lassus. Passengers were now able to board a train at the Washington Street Depot in Farmington, and be taken to the depot in De Lassus.

Map depicting the former Farmington/De Lassus Line (dashed line represents the railroad in relation to the modern day area)

In 1947, the Farmington railway was officially dieselized, as most railroads were doing at this time. This meaning that the electric trolleys were swapped out for diesel locomotives, which opened great opportunity for the area. At this time, De Lassus was still a major freight hub for the county, processing and shipping nearly all of the area's goods. With the approved dieselization, freight trains could now travel from De Lassus into Farmington directly by rail. This was a breakthrough for both Farmington and De Lassus, heightening the function of both cities. I am blessed to say that there is rare footage of this railway in use, as trains travel between Farmington and De Lassus. This film dates to the late 1940's, and I suggest everyone give it a watch! Click here to see the video.

Because the presence of the railroad in De Lassus existed until the mid 1900's, several residents and former residents have memories regarding this. “When I was young, we lived in the old feed store just to the right of the road on the right side of the depot. The building was owned by Lorris and Ruth Cole. It was torn down years ago. There was generally a freight wagon parked on this side of the depot. They were big and heavy. I remember the older men used to gather on the wagon and tell tales. I loved those guys and was constantly running down there to talk to them. Then my poor mother would have to come get me and take me home. She came after me with a switch one time because I had ignored her calling me. Those men gave her a hard time about the switch. As I recall the switch was only a prop (threat). She never used it.” - Linda Russell on Facebook.

     Also during this time, there were still several businesses that called De Lassus home.  One of the most memorable being the feed store owned by the Pratt family.  “The feed store was right down by the railroad tracks you would pass to get down to the river. I grew up in that wonderful little spot on the map. Things sure have changed a lot.” - Marla Hammers recalls.

Coordinate Pin Point of Cemetery Location

Although the city of De Lassus is no longer, there are still several things that can be seen within the community that tells its story. From historic homes, to small businesses, to loving churches. Though my favorite relics are those that you may not see at first glance. Such as the old railbed that is visible from Delassus road, the very one that lived and died with this town. That piece of land saw all of the prosperity, hardships, success, and dwindle. I also must mention the Delassus Cemetery, which many have no knowledge of. The Delassus cemetery has been unkept since 2005, and is no longer visible to the road. On the contrary, from my findings it is still a public cemetery that may be visited. There is at least 56 recorded graves, with the oldest having a death date of 1872. The cemetery location is several feet off of the corner of 4th street and Delassus Road. If you decide to visit, I suggest going in winter to minimize the threat of injury and animal bites.

St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad Railbed visible from Delassus Road, 2020

     De Lassus may not be a county or state recognized settlement anymore, but anyone who lives in or near the former town can tell you that this tight knit community is alive and well!  Still proudly representing the name, the people of De Lassus are not going anywhere.  My goal with this series is to bring the spotlight back to these forgotten places, that still have so much to say.  I suggest everyone pay De Lassus a visit, just to cruise along the hidden streets and admire the relics of a once booming city. 

     Thank you all for reading, I do hope you enjoyed and learned something new.  I'd love to hear your feedback, and your requests for future installments of this series.  I'd also be thrilled to hear any stories, memories, or photos you have on De Lassus!  Until next time.

Jennie Moore

     

Twelve Mile Creek Emporium | Small Business Sunday

Photo courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Hi everyone, and welcome back to the blog!  Today, I'm going to be sharing a location that holds a special place in my heart.  This is Twelve Mile Creek Emporium, Wine Cottage, and Bed and Breakfast in Caledonia, Missouri.  Twelve Mile Creek is a family owned business with something for everyone.  Not only do they offer the amenities in the title, but they also offer home decor, freshly made meals, baked goods, and locally made products of all kinds.   

     In addition to the wonderful business itself, Twelve Mile Creek resides in a historic landmark.  This building goes by names such as the Fisher/Fischer Home, Caledonia Wine Cottage, the Ramsey House, or simply The Big Yellow House.  Whatever you may call it, this is a location with history to the brim, and a big story to tell.

Walnut Staircase, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     The Big Yellow House was constructed in 1824 by Jacob Fischer, making it one of Caledonia's oldest standing structures.  Over time the building has served as many occupations, but was originally built as a stage coach stop and inn.  Coaches would pull to the front of the building, where passengers would exit onto the same stone walkway that serves Twelve Mile Creek customers today.  During this time, travelers and stage coach drivers would frequently lodge in the inn's twelve original rooms.  

     When built, the inn consisted of two separate structures.  The front, rectangular portion of the building was for lodgers,  and the structure behind served as slave quarters.  Tunnels ran from either side of the inn to the slave quarters, with a third tunnel extending to the creek.  These tunnels can still be seen from the basement. The two structures were joined together some time around 1860, to form the home we all recognize today.  Though this isn't the only unique feature of the home.  The Fischer House is home to a continuous, three-story walnut staircase, the only one of its kind in the Ozarks.  The property also houses the 2nd oldest persimmon tree in Missouri, which still drops persimmons seasonally!

Quarantine Room as of today, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     As one of the homes many purposes, it was overtaken by the Union Army in the American Civil War, and turned into a hospital.  The hospital treated both Union and Confederate soldiers from The Battle of Pilot Knob, saving many lives that day.  A room on the third floor of the home was converted to a quarantine room for contagious patients, with a hole being cut from the door to serve the patient's food through.  The lock and hole in the door still exist today.  Along with saving the lives of soldiers, the home also served as a stop on the underground railroad.  Slaves were led through the tunnels, northward to freedom. The Fischer House treated and freed many men, women, and children, who likely wouldn't have survived if it were not for the Big Yellow House and it's gracious owners.  

Product sold at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Over time, the Fischer House served as a residence to several families, leaving many with fond memories of the home and its tenants.  Before it became the booming business we know now, the Fischer House had fallen in disrepair.  I had the pleasure of touring the home before the Allen's (the current owners) just prior to their purchase of the property.  I must say, it was heartbreaking to see this landmark in such condition.  Though we have Pamela, Roger and the rest of the Allen clan to thank for single-handedly saving this historic property.  This family has put blood, sweat, and tears into this home, bringing it back to life.  Myself, along with many others have so much admiration for what the Allen family has put into not only the Fischer House, but the Village of Caledonia.

 California Spaghetti Salad served at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Though the best part of this national treasure, is that it's for sale.  After years of hard work, the Allen family is ready to retire.  Pamela says "The time has come for us to find the perfect caretaker for this historic beauty. Retirement beckons us and we would like to heed that call!  If you think you have what it takes, give us a look.  Possibilities are only as far as your imagination allows. Price is negotiable as to what you want it to be for you!"  If you are interested in making the Fischer House your own, you may call Twelve Mile Creek at 573-779-1238, or pay a visit at 128 S State Highway 21, Caledonia, Missouri 63631. 

Wine selection at Twelve Mile Creek, courtesy of Pamela Allen

     Thank you all very much for reading, and I hope this landmark excites you as much as it does me.  Perhaps you will pay a visit, or even find your next home, or business.  I also want to thank Pamela Allen for allowing me to use her photos for this post, and always being so kind during my visits to Twelve Mile Creek.  I hope you tune in to the blog again soon!

Love,

Jennie

Hurricane Mills, Tennessee | Landmark Landing

Hurricane Mill (c. 1897), Hurricane Mills, Tennessee

     Hello everyone, and welcome to my first installment of the new series, "Landmark Landing"!  In this series I will be taking you along on my travels to America's landmarks.  I absolutely love to travel, and I know many of you do too.  I hope this series is helpful and sparks your inspiration! 

     This series is kicking off with Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.  I visited Hurricane Mills for the first time this past July, and it did not disappoint.  Truthfully, it was even better than I had anticipated.  As most of you know, Hurricane Mills is home to Loretta Lynn's Ranch.  This is what draws almost all of the tourism, but there is so much more than a celebrity home here.  Hurricane Mills is a beautiful small town, and I have immense respect for what the Lynn family has done to preserve it.  Although, many people are too starstruck to take in the history of the town, I want to do my best to showcase all of the things that Hurricane Mills has to see.

  

   Hurricane Mills is an unincorporated community in Humphreys County, Tennessee.  Hurricane Mills is a part of the Hurricane Mills Rural Historic District, which is 300 acres that was placed on the National Register Of Historic Places in 1999.  Although there isn't much to show it these days, there was settler activity in Hurricane Mills as early as the 1830's.  One of Hurricane Mills' earliest known builds is the dam on Hurricane Creek, which can be seen in the photo above.  The concrete face you see now was placed in 1912, but underneath is the original stone dam that was built c. 1839!  Going hand-in-hand with the dam is of course Hurricane Mill, where the community takes its name from.  As seen in the photo above, Hurricane Mill is a large, wood built grist mill that was built in stages from 1897 to 1910 by James T. Anderson.  The building was not only the mill, but a portion of the building housed the Hurricane Mills post office, now located down the street.  The Mill is now home to one of many Loretta Lynn's attractions, a quaint gift shop that I personally, really liked.    

     

     We also, of course, visited Loretta Lynn's home, the biggest attraction in Hurricane Mills.  This 19th century plantation style home is known as the Hillman-Anderson home, and sits on rolling acres of lush land.  As you can tell by name, this home was built and occupied by the same Anderson family that built and operated the mill.  The Lynn family purchased the property in the 1960's, and called has called it home ever since.  Other than being the home of the "Queen of Country", the home has gained quite the reputation of being haunted.  Loretta has spoken on multiple occasions about the activity in the house, which has impacted both her and her family.  The Lynn family now lives in a newer home on the property, leaving the mansion open to tours.  Tourists and employees have also spoken on their experiences in the home.  

     So we all hear of this activity, but what I haven't heard much is, why?  Why is there so much paranormal activity in the home?  This is a question I had, and I set out to get an answer.  After hours upon hours of research, I found my answer, which I want to share with you.  The Hillman-Anderson home is no stranger to the ups and downs of life.  Since the home's construction, it has been the site of several events.  It has seen the changes of time, and people from all walks of life.                

          During the Civil War, the home saw a skirmish that took place on site.  The event left several soldiers dead, with 19 men of the Confederate Army being buried on the property.  Those who were buried, still lie there today.  The home also experienced the hardships of slavery, as there is a slave pit located under the home.  In the pit is where it is thought misbehaving slaves were put, and likely abused.  Word has it that Loretta has gone into the pit only once, and refuses to ever go back.  Though fear not, the history of this property isn't all tragic. 

     What many people don't know, is that before the site was settled as Hurricane Mills, it was a thriving Mississippian-Era prehistoric village, inhabited by Native Americans.  This village is known as The Duck River Temple Mounds, or the Link Farm.  Near the Link Farm, there was another farm that was owned by the notorious Jesse James.  There was also a notable Carding Factory, which was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  All three of these sites are located within Hurricane Mills!   

     Hurricane Mills also still has it's general store which has been converted to another Loretta Lynn attraction.  The building holds two shops, a post office, the Native American Museum, a snack shack, and an underground recreation of a coal mine, like the one Loretta's father worked in.  I really like this portion of Hurricane Mills, as you can shop, learn, and eat all in one place.  It's also a great place to cool off if you visit in the summer like I did.  

    Loretta has also had a new building built as her museum called "Coal Miner's Daughter Museum".  The museum is a whopping 18,000 sq feet, and holds a massive amount of memorabilia.  This building alone is paradise for a Loretta fan.  What I liked about this museum is the inclusion of Loretta's friends and family.  There are several exhibits on those who were/are loved ones of Loretta's.  I also really appreciated the amount of seating throughout the museum, and Hurricane Mills in general.  This was such a great surprise for someone who sometimes has trouble getting around.  I found all of the attractions to be very inclusive, and welcoming.                                                                                                                        

     I also have to give massive props to the recreations throughout Hurricane Mills.  The work put into these pieces is extremely obvious, and they really make the history come to life.  There is an exact replica of Loretta's childhood home (Located in Butcher Hollow, Kentucky) which can be toured.  There is also the coal mine that I previously mentioned, and the town itself still has a maintained 19th century aesthetic.    

     As of 2019, Loretta Lynn owns nearly all of Hurricane Mills, and truthfully, I'm glad she does.  The way she has taken care of, and presented this small town, is really admirable.  Without her falling in love with that vacant house on the hill nearly 60 years ago, Hurricane Mills may have been lost to time.  Now, Hurricane Mills is the most active small community I've ever seen.  There are endless activities and events on Loretta's land.  Camping, kayaking, and swimming to just name a few. 

     Overall, do I recommend you visit Hurricane Mills? Absolutely!  I really enjoyed my visit, and would visit again.  Even with everything I spoke on, there is still more to see.  I hope to make another trip in the future and further explore Hurricane Mills.  If you enjoy history, the outdoors, country music, or travel in general, I would definitely make a stop here.  This quaint town 698 people will not disappoint! 

     Thank you all so much for reading!  I really hope you enjoyed this post, and will tune into this series again!  Give me your thoughts.  Have you been to Hurricane Mills?  Would you like to?  

     A special thanks to my mom, Colleen Gallagher, for being my travel buddy and giving me this experience.                            

With love, Jennie

(All photos in this post are taken by myself in July of 2019.)