1969 Map of Meramec State Park

About this map

Meramec State Park and the surrounding Ozark landscape are defined by a complex network of subterranean systems and industrial sites during the late 1960s. The Meramec River carves through the terrain, flanked by numerous caverns and springs including Fisher Cave, Greens Cave, and the famed Meramec Caverns. This topography fostered early industrial efforts, evidenced by the presence of Hamilton Iron Works and Hamilton Cave situated near Pratt Spring. To the southeast, the landscape shifts toward large-scale modern extraction at the Pea Ridge Mine, which includes a dedicated Landing Strip, a Substation, and the Marys Tailings Pond. Local community life is rooted along Pea Ridge, where the Pea Ridge Sch, Pea Ridge Cem, and several country churches served the rural population of Washington and Franklin counties.