This is the twenty-ninth article in our series about Ozarks culture and heritage in the counties of Missouri that are part of the Ozarks region. All or parts of 55 counties in Missouri are considered part of the Ozarks. Crawford County is located west of Washington County and east of Phelps County. Crawford County was organized in 1829 and is named after Georgia U.S. Senator William H. Crawford, who also served as Secretary of War and Secretary of the Treasury. The county seat is Steelville.
Crawford County is approximately 80 miles southwest of St. Louis, with Interstate Highway 44 as its major thoroughfare. 1-44 follows the general route of, and completely replaced, historic U.S. Route 66 across Missouri.
Steelville has been called the "Home of Hospitality," and the community always works together to make it a great place to live. The first settlers in Steelville were William Britton, who built a small grist mill along the Yadkin Creek, and James Steel, 'the founding father,' who operated a trading post and was appointed by the government as Commissioner to lay out the city in 1835. The first Newspaper of Steelville was established on May 4, 1874, by Thomas Roberts. The paper was printed in a log cabin the first time.
The Steelville Chamber of Commerce points out that three spring-fed-rivers, the Meramec, Huzzah and Courtois provide floating, rafting and camping recreation for thousands of tourists each year. Fishing enthusiasts flock to streams filled with small and lawge mouthed bass, trophy trout and rock bass. Steelville is also home to the Meramec Music Theatre, which features the best in country music and golden oldies, as well as many special performances throughout the year. Also providing great music throughout the season is Wildwood Springs Lodge, which features various well known artists.
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