Our Wonderful Lake of the Ozarks!
This week, Poly Lift® thought it would be fun to present some information from our friends at the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitors Bureau on the history of The Lake of the Ozarks. We love the lake and everyone that lives here. Learn more below about our area!
ABOUT THE LAKE
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| Photo from www.funlake.com |
The biggest attraction at the Lake of the Ozarks is The Lake
itself. From boating to fishing to watersports to beaches, The Lake draws
millions of tourists every year from all walks of life to experience what this
manmade wonder has to offer.
HISTORY OF THE LAKE
The Lake of the Ozarks was created by the construction of
the Bagnell Dam, which began on Aug. 8, 1929, and completed in April 1931. With
a surface area of 54,000 acres, The Lake was the largest manmade lake in the
United States at the time of its completion, and one of the largest manmade
lakes in the world.
Today, The Lake boasts more shore length at 1,150 miles than
the state of California. The Lake draws in more than 5 million visitors every
year with more than 70,000 homes lining the shore.
Camdenton
Nicknamed "the Hub City of the Ozarks," Camdenton
was founded in 1931 when residents from Old Linn Creek, which was to be flooded
by the Bagnell Dam, settled up the valley. Today, Camdenton is home to scenic
destinations such as Lover's Leap, Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka State Park,
which offers a fascinating look at the ruined "castle" overlooking
The Lake.
Eldon
What started as Peter Thompson's farm became the largest
city in Miller County. Located north of The Lake, Eldon was incorporated in
1904 and fueled by the arrival of the Missouri Pacific Bagnell Branch and Eldon
Roller Mills. The completion of the Bagnell Dam and Lake of the Ozarks led to
massive growth in Eldon's tourism and hospitality industry, which is still very
much active to this day.
Lake Ozark
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| Photo from www.funlake.com |
After Bagnell Dam was completed in 1931, businesses
re-opened the western side of the dam, known today as the City of Lake Ozark.
While very few of the original buildings of that generation have survived,
the White House — built in 1932 — has been recently renovated.
Osage Beach
Platted in 1928 on the site of two existing towns, Zebra —
named for the nearby striped bluffs — and Damsel, Osage Beach was incorporated
in 1959. Named for the manmade sandy beaches on the banks of the Osage River,
Osage Beach is home to the Grand Glaize Bridge — also known as the
"Upside-Down Bridge" for its unique construction that offers
travelers an unimpeded view of The Lake — and the historic Willmore Lodge, a
6,500-square-foot, 29-room lodge built for Union Electric in 1930 that today
serves as a museum and home to the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Versailles
The county seat of Morgan County since 1854, Versailles is
rich in history, from its Mennonite heritage to its role as a temporary stop
for both Union and Confederate soldiers. The old Martin Hotel, a 26-room hotel
built in 1878, now serves as a museum for the area. Today, Versailles is home
to the annual Versailles Saddle and Sirloin Club's rodeo, the Morgan County
Fair and the Versailles Old Tyme Apple Festival.
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| Photo from www.funlake.com |
West Side
Driving north on Route 5 out of Camdenton provides a
beautiful scenic drive for travelers, as well as some communities that sprung
up along The Lake such as Hurricane Deck, Sunrise Beach and Laurie, plus
historic Gravois Mills, which was platted in 1884. Eight caves along The Lake's
West Side have opened to the public since 1932, including Jacob's Cave near
Gravois Mills.
www.PolyLift.com
Poly Lift® Sunrise Beach
17163 N. State Hwy. 5
Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
573-374-6545
Poly Lift® Osage Beach
3864 Osage Beach Pkwy
Osage Beach, MO 65065
573-693-9277
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