Situated in northwestern Wayne County, in southeastern Missouri, the city of Piedmont was settled in the mid-1850s. Originally, the land was purchased by James and William Daniel, who planned to raise crops along McKenzie Creek. When he found his land to be unsuitable for farming, he opened a general store that attracted several customers, as well as others who bought land nearby, opening other businesses and building houses. Initially, the town that grew up there was known as Danielsville, for the Daniel brothers. A school called the Blue Moon School was established, and church services were also held there. The town gained a post office in 1855, along with a stagecoach service that ran from Ironton to Doniphan. Shortly after the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railroad extended its track through the area, the town’s name was changed to Piedmont, for its placement at the foot of Clark’s Mountain, using the French words pied (foot) and mont (mountain). Construction of the Clearwater Lake Dam was begun in 1940, but World War II caused a delay in the project, which was not fully completed until 1958. Located six miles from the city limits, the man-made lake brings tourists into the city during the summer months. Today, Piedmont is home to two drive-in theaters, which are among only fourteen in the state. Gads Hill is north of Piedmont, Patterson is west, Webb and Ruble are east, Hadley is southwest, Mill Spring is south, and Greenville is southeast. The city is nearly surrounded by portions of the Mark Twain National Forest.
Recommended Resources
The city’s official web site offers a community profile, history, and demographics, along with a guide to municipal facilities and programs, administrative and departmental offices, schools, churches, organizations, and businesses. An organizational chart, meeting agendas and minutes, and contacts for its elected officials, boards and commissions are put forward.
http://www.cityofpiedmont.com/
In business since the early 2000s, the business moved into a remodeled barn on thirty acres of land in Piedmont, Missouri in 1006. Directions, office hours, and contacts are posted, and is products are described in detail, including photographs, costs, and specifications.
http://www.mycustomwoodworks.com/
The annual September event takes place in Piedmont Park, in Piedmont, Missouri. Sponsored by the Piedmont Recreation Department and the Harvest Festival Committee, several events come together, including a carnival, contests, music, and food stands. Sponsorship information and schedules are posted to the site.
http://piedmontharvestfestival.org/
Offering a guide to the Piedmont, Missouri area, the site offers information, contacts, and links to local attractions and events, hotels, motels and other guest accommodations, restaurants, shopping venues, and other businesses.
http://piedmont-mo.com/
One of only fourteen drive-in theaters in Missouri, the seasonal movie theater is located just east of Piedmont, along Highway 34. Current and upcoming productions are highlighted, along with its admission costs, contacts, and snack bar menu.
http://www.pinehilldrivein.com/
Established in 1931 as Gish Funeral Homes, the funeral home business is located on North Main Street in Piedmont, Missouri. A map shows its location, and office hours are posted, along with a description of its services and policies. Pre-arrangements may be done online, and obituaries are published to the site.
http://www.rueggfuneralhomes.com/
Published in Piedmont, Missouri, the newspaper is the result of a 1925 consolidation of two earlier publications, the Wayne County Journal of Greenville and the Banner of Piedmont, which date back to 1877 and 1892 respectively. Its online edition offers subscription and advertising information, as well as news and sports stories, local announcements, and special features.
http://www.waynecojournalbanner.com/
