Osceola is the county seat of St. Clair County, Missouri. The city was named for the famous Seminole Chief Osceola, whose name means “black water” in the Seminole language. Established on the banks of the Osage River in southwestern Missouri, the first people who lived in the area were the Osage. Among the first white men to remain in the St. Clair County region were Jacob Coonce, Phillip Crow, and Richard Crutchfield, who ran a trading post on the river, downstream from the Osage villages, and the town that grew up around the trading post became Osage in 1839. When the American Civil War began, Osage had a population of more than two thousand, but by the end of the war fewer than two hundred remained. Union General Jim Lane, who commanded the Kansas Brigade, raided the town and burned all but a few homes in September of 1861. In retaliation for this act, Quantrill’s Raiders burned, looted, and demolished Lawrence, Kansas. In 1929, the Osceola Dam formed Truman Lake, and the changing landscape continues to offer fishing and hunting opportunities. Osceola is situated on the banks of Truman Lake, with Missouri Highway 13 passing through the eastern part of town, and Routes 13 and WW passing through the city. Osage Heights is southwest and Vista is south of Osceola.
Recommended Resources
Located on the western edge of the Ozark Highlands forest, and on the banks of Truman Lake, Osceola is the seat of government for St. Clair County. The official municipal web site offers local history and information, a city calendar, meeting agendas and minutes, and city hall information. Taxes and utility bills may be paid online.
http://www.cityofosceolamo.com/
H. Roe Bartle Scout Reservation
Located in Osceola, Missouri, the 4,200 acre Boy Scout reservation consists of three camps: Lone Star, Sawmill, and Piercing Arrow, as well as the Osage Wilderness Trail and its honor camping program, the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. Its programs and supporting districts are featured, along with a calendar of events and contacts. An online store is included.
http://www.hoac-bsa.org/bartle/
Osceola Abstract & Title Company
In business since 1871, the company provides real estate title insurance and closing services for refinances and sales, serving St. Clair County, Cedar County, Dade County, Vernon County, Jasper County, and Lawrence County. Its history, services, and contacts are posted, along with its privacy notices. Orders may be placed through the site.
http://www.osceolaabstract.com/
Made up of business owners and others in the Osceola, Missouri region, the Chamber advocates for businesses and industries in the region. The benefits of Chamber membership are offered, along with its meeting and program schedules, and a guide to the community.
http://www.osceolamochamber.com/
Established in 1944, the Osceola, Missouri company produces more than two hundred and fifty varieties of cheese, most with samples. Its history, location, contacts, and a product catalog are featured, and products may be purchased from the site.
https://www.osceolacheese.com/
Operating a K-12 public school curriculum through an elementary school, junior high school, and high school, the school system serves the Osceola, Missouri region. General information about the district is offered, along with a school calendar, campus data, and announcements.
http://www.osceola.k12.mo.us/
St. Clair County Historical Society
Created in 1994 and located in Osceola, Missouri, the non-profit organization was created to collect historical material, preserve it, and make it available to the public. An overview of its museum is offered, including its hours, photographs, and appointment policies. An online shopping area is included.
http://www.stclaircountyhistoricalsociety.org/
Headquartered in Osceola, Missouri, the county library system includes its main branch in Osceola as well as a branch in Lowry City, and a bookmobile serving other areas of the county. Branch locations, hours of operation, calendars, and an overview of its collections and other resources are highlighted, along with an online catalog.
http://mostclair.lib.mo.us/
St. Clair County Sheriff’s Office
The St. Clair County SO is the primary law enforcement body for the county government. Its organizational structure and programs are highlighted, along with information about civil process and fees, crime tips, and public information.
http://www.scsomo.org/
St. Clair County is headquartered in the city of Osceola, Missouri, the county seat. The official county web site offers information and contacts for county officials and within county offices and services. A history of the county and an overview of its history is included.
http://www.stclaircomo.com/
Situated on NE US Highway 82 in Osceola, Missouri, the restaurant specialized in barbecue cuisine, such as smoked meat sandwiches, meat dinners, ribs, and other foods. Its location, hours of operation, and catering services are included.
http://www.sugarfootbbq.com/
Originally built in 1850, the first hotel was destroyed by fire in a raid on the town by Jim Lane during the Civil War, while the current building was established in 1867, and located on the square of Osceola, Missouri. Photographs of the building are presented, along with its rates, fishing packages, and an online store.
http://www.theoldcommercial.com/
