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Oregon County, Missouri

58 topographic sheets cover 44 settlements here, and 2 properties are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Research this county

From the record

2 National Register listings published here.

Sources: the National Register database, National Park Service

Missouri within the United States
Oregon County within Missouri

What the record shows

  • 570 topographic sheet readings cover the county's settlements.
  • 2 properties here are on the National Register of Historic Places: 2 buildings.
  • The Geographic Names Information System records 44 populated places in this county; 44 are covered by at least one topographic sheet.

Places on the National Register

2

Every property in this county listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with the year it was listed and the federal nomination document.

Photograph PropertyType ListedReference
Church of the Holy Trinitybuilding2017100001352
Greer Millbuilding200605001551

Wildfire, 1992 to 2020

504 fires

Every wildfire the federal occurrence database records inside this county: 504 of them, burning about 12,782 acres. 6 started naturally and 181 were recorded as arson. Each settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it.

Reported cause Fires
Arson/incendiarism181
Debris and open burning177
Missing data/not specified/undetermined63
Equipment and vehicle use37
Smoking15
Railroad operations and maintenance15
Natural6
Recreation and ceremony4
Power generation/transmission/distribution3
Misuse of fire by a minor1
Fireworks1
Other causes1

The five largest, by the area the report gives. 6 of them were set deliberately.

DateCause SizeReported by Name on the report
19 April 1997Arson/incendiarism780 acresMark Twain National ForestTUPELO
28 November 2002Arson/incendiarism709 acresMark Twain National ForestDECKARD HOLLOW
19 February 2011Arson/incendiarism587 acresMark Twain National ForestCONNER SPRINGS
3 April 1997Debris and open burning460 acresMark Twain National ForestCOLD FRONT
4 November 2010Arson/incendiarism427 acresMark Twain National ForestSCHOOL HOUSE HOLLOW
28 November 2017Missing data/not specified/undetermined382 acresMark Twain National ForestTURNER SOUTH
23 April 2007Arson/incendiarism328 acresMark Twain National ForestHURRICANE
2 July 2012Arson/incendiarism270 acresMark Twain National ForestBIG BOTTOM HOLLOW

Every settlement page carries the fires within five miles of it - see the settlement index below.

Storms, 1957 to 2026

60 of 345 shown

The NOAA Storm Events Database holds 345 reports for this county, causing no deaths, 17 injuries and about $19,120,030 in recorded property damage. Each settlement page carries the reports that name it.

Kind of event Reports
Hail116
Thunderstorm Wind115
Flash Flood57
Flood25
Tornado22
Heavy Rain9
Funnel Cloud1

The most serious of them, by death, then injury, then recorded damage. The accounts are quoted exactly as the forecast office filed them.

WhenEvent Place namedHarm What the report says
July 1970Tornado (F3)not stated7 hurt, $250,000no account filed
December 1982Tornado (F4)not stated6 hurt, $2,500,000no account filed
October 1984Tornado (F3)not stated1 hurt, $2,500,000no account filed
December 1982Tornado (F2)not stated1 hurt, $2,500,000no account filed
May 2024Tornado (EF0)Calm1 hurt, $200,000A NWS storm survey concluded that an EF-1 tornado occurred in far southeast Oregon County to the east of Myrtle. Two homes suffered siding damage, five barns/outbuildings were destroyed, along with numerous trees suffering damage that ranged from limb damage to being uprooted along County Road 288 before the tornado crossed the Eleven Point River near the Myrtle Access and crossed into Ripley County north of County Road 286. One injury was reported. Damage cost estimates only include the Oregon County portion of the tornado track.
December 1967Tornado (F2)not stated1 hurt, $25,000no account filed
April 2017Flash FloodAlton$4,000,000Numerous county roads and bridges were damaged by flash floods. Several campgrounds and river access areas were severely damaged across the county. This report will contain the total dollar estimate for flood damage to infrastructure, businesses, and homes across Oregon County. $3M in damages were reported to roads alone in the county.
November 2005Tornado (F2)Thayer$1,500,000A National Weather Service storm survey team revealed that an F-2 tornado touched down 9 miles east of Thayer near Highway V. The tornado continued on a path 300 yards wide to 8 miles northeast of Myrtle. Two mobile homes were destroyed and several other homes were heavily damaged along the tornado path.
April 2011Flash FloodBillmore$1,000,000Widespread flooding of low water crossings and rural routes were reported.||The total cost estimate for flooding damages for Oregon County for this entire episode has been included. This includes roads, bridges, and structures which were affected.
May 2009Thunderstorm WindRover$1,000,000Sixty to 80 mph wind gusts impacted all of Oregon County. Significant tree damage was observed countywide, while numerous outbuildings and homes sustained damage. It was relayed to the National Weather Service that several homes in the community of Koshkonong had windows that were blown out. Roof damage was widespread in all communities of Oregon County.
March 2008Flash FloodRover$1,000,000Eight to nine inches of rain fell over Oregon County. Widespread flooding occurred along all low areas that typically experience flooding during periods of excessive rainfall.
March 2025Tornado (EF3)Koshkonong$800,000A 24 mile long tornado path was determined by a combination of NWS survey, storm reports, and satellite damage to have moved from just north of Koshkonong to 2 miles north of Alton before lifting 8 miles northeast of Alton. Maximum width was approximately a half mile wide though it was likely considerably narrower in places. While much of the path was to trees along with several outbuildings, the tornado damaged a few homes including a south facing ground level home off County Road 402 where it caused EF3 damage. The track continued northeast of Alton into the Mark Twain National Forest with satellite detecting an intermittent path of uprooted trees to near the Eleven Point River at Turners Mill.
December 2015Flash FloodCalm$500,000Highway 142 was closed near the Eleven Point River. Numerous low water crossings across the county were flooded. Several county roads were damaged. Several campground areas along the Ozarks Scenic Riverways were damaged. This storm report will contain the damage estimates for the entire county for this event.
March 2025Tornado (EF3)Rover$400,000This is the beginning of a long-track EF-3 tornado that began south of Rover, MO and tracked northeast before lifting in southern Reynolds County. The peak wind speed was 165 mph with a maximum width of 800 yards. The tornado initially touched down around 2 miles northeast of Brandsville, then moved south of Rover where it pushed two homes off their foundation before continuing northeast through wooded areas. The tornado then took the roof off another home but left internal walls intact along Highway DD and again at the north end of County Road 331. It was also at this point that it caused the collapse of a pair of new high voltage transmission line metal support polls rated to withstand 90 mph winds before going back into wooded areas where satellite imagery depicted periodic uprooted trees into the Mark Twain National Forest. Thousands of trees were uprooted along its path. The tornado then traveled northeast into Shannon and eventually Carter Counties.
April 1984Tornado (F1)not stated$250,000no account filed
November 2024FloodCalm$61,000County property damages were reported throughout the entire county, primarily to dirt roads and bridges. Damage cost estimates are a reflection of the county as a whole.
May 2017Tornado (EF0)Thayer$50,000An EF-0 tornado touched down on the northeast side of Thayer. Numerous trees were uprooted and damage. Some homes had minor damage. Estimated maximum winds were up to 85 mph.
April 2008Flash FloodThomasville$50,000One to two inches of rain fell over Oregon County. Any areas that typically flood during periods of excessive rainfall were flooded. The community of Thayer appeared to be impacted the most. Several homes and businesses were flooded. Also in Thayer, a section of Highway 63 was impassable to motorists due to flash flooding.
April 1999Tornado (F0)Thayer$50,000no account filed
June 2023Thunderstorm WindKoshkonong$40,000A few trees were blown into power lines.
April 1999Thunderstorm WindThayer$30,000no account filed
July 2023HailGarfield$25,000Hail up to ping pong balls in size was reported in a rural location. Minor roof and vehicle damage was reported.
December 2015Thunderstorm WindThayer$25,000Several trees and power poles were blown over around Thayer. A large barn structure was completely destroyed. A picture was sent in from social media.
June 1968Tornado (F2)not stated$25,000no account filed
April 2025Flash FloodAlton$20,000Several city streets were flooded causing vehicles to become stranded.
July 2023Thunderstorm WindThayer$20,000Multiple large tree limbs were reported down. A few power outages were also reported.
January 2013Thunderstorm WindCouch$20,000Four outbuildings suffered moderate damage or were destroyed. Two of the buildings lost their walls. One wall was brick which was destroyed scattering bricks into a near by field. The location was near County Road 232 and Highway EE.
May 2011Tornado (EF1)Billmore$20,000A NWS survey team determined that an EF-1 tornado with winds 90 to 100 mph occurred in southern Oregon County. The tornado touched down about three miles north of Mrytle and lifted about five miles north of Mytle. One tree, about three feet in diameter was snapped and several other trees were uprooted with large limbs blown down. Three outbuildings had minor roof damage. The path width was about 100 yards.
July 2006Thunderstorm WindThayer$20,000Microburst wind gusts stripped shingles off of several houses and caused widespread tree damage near the community of Thayer.
January 2002Thunderstorm WindKoshkonong$20,000no account filed
May 2019Thunderstorm WindThayer Mem Arpt$15,000Fifteen to 20 trees were damaged by high winds with some light damage to buildings at the Thayer Country Club.
April 1999Thunderstorm WindThayer$15,000no account filed
October 2021Thunderstorm WindThayer$10,000A stray storm produced wind damage to the roof of a home and damaged some trees along Highway OO.
December 2018Thunderstorm WindCouch$10,000An old barn was blown down and destroyed and several trees were damaged south of Alton on Highway EE.
May 2017Thunderstorm WindAlton$10,000A large tree fell on to a truck in Alton. This report was from social media.
July 2015Thunderstorm WindAlton$10,000Several power lines and trees were blown down. Several main roads were blocked by trees and power lines down.
June 2014HailAlton$10,000no account filed
May 2011HailCouch$10,000no account filed
November 2003Flash FloodCountywide$10,000no account filed
June 2002Thunderstorm WindAlton$10,000no account filed
February 2001Thunderstorm WindAlton$10,000no account filed
June 1996Thunderstorm WindRover$10,000no account filed
April 1999Thunderstorm WindAlton$6,000no account filed
August 2023Thunderstorm WindRover$5,000A large tree was downed and minor shingle damage occurred.
May 2019Thunderstorm WindThayer$5,000Trees and power lines were reported down and blocking the roadway at the intersection of 7th and Pine Streets.
May 2017Thunderstorm WindThayer$5,000A circus tent was blown down in Thayer. Several trees and power lines were blown down across Highway 63.
September 2012Thunderstorm WindAlton$5,000A mobile home was blown off its foundation.
May 2011Thunderstorm WindJob$5,000Trees and power lines were blown down along County Road 244.
April 2009Thunderstorm WindAlton$5,000Thunderstorm wind gusts damaged the roof of a church and knocked over a few trees.
June 2009Thunderstorm WindAlton$5,000Severe thunderstorm wind gusts knocked over a large tree and landed on a car.
August 2006Thunderstorm WindAlton$5,000Thunderstorm wind gusts downed a few power lines.
June 1994Thunderstorm WindThayer$5,000Reported by the county sheriff and Missouri Highway Patrol (Troop G). A local newspaper also reported numerous power poles and trees snapped off with approximately 3,000 people without power across the county.
June 1994HailAlton$5,000Reported by the county sheriff and Missouri Highway Patrol (Troop G). A local newspaper also reported numerous power poles and trees snapped off with approximately 3,000 people without power across the county.
June 1994Thunderstorm WindAlton$5,000Reported by the county sheriff and Missouri Highway Patrol (Troop G). A local newspaper also reported numerous power poles and trees snapped off with approximately 3,000 people without power across the county.
October 2001Thunderstorm WindMyrtle$5,000no account filed
August 1998Thunderstorm WindMyrtle$3,000Power lines and trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds.
June 1964Tornado (F1)not stated$2,500no account filed
May 1957Tornado (F1)not stated$2,500no account filed
March 2026Thunderstorm WindAlton$2,000Thunderstorm winds downed two trees in Alton.
May 2024Thunderstorm WindRover$2,000Two large trees were blown down on Highway P west of Alton.

Mines and quarries

106 recorded

The Survey's mineral resources record lists 106 workings inside this county. 4 still produce and 102 are closed or unrecorded. Each settlement page carries the workings within five miles of it.

Commodity Workings
Iron90
Sand and Gravel, Construction6
Iron, Zinc3
Stone, Crushed/Broken2
Iron, Manganese1
Zinc, Lead1
Gold, Iron1
Kaolin, Iron1
Lead, Silver1

The least common of them first, because a county's hundredth gravel pit says nothing its first ten did not.

Where SiteCommodity StatusRecorded
Alpha Gold MineGold, IronPast Producer
Emilie MineZinc, LeadPast Producer
Joe Kolosky ProspectLead, SilverProspect
Unknown - Iron & ClayKaolin, IronPast Producer
Unknown - Manganese & IronIron, ManganesePast Producer
E C Mainprize Quarry and MillStone, Crushed/BrokenProducer1943
Unknown - LsStone, Crushed/BrokenPast Producer
C.S.&R Zinc MineIron, ZincPast Producer
Hess Zinc MineIron, ZincPast Producer
Unknown - Iron & ZincIron, ZincPast Producer
Bowers S&G PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionUnknown
Bowers Sand & Gravel PlantSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducer1954
Doss and Harper Sand PitSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducerSurface
Sharp Sand & Gravel PlantSand and Gravel, ConstructionProducerSurface
Unknown - S&GSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer
Unknown - S&GSand and Gravel, ConstructionPast Producer
Ab and Carl JohnsonIronOccurrenceSurface
Alvie Judd Jr. MineIronPast Producer1932
Alvie Judd MineIronPast Producer
Amos Cozzins MineIronPast Producer1930
Amos Watson MineIronPast Producer1939
Arthur ArnoldIronOccurrenceSurface
Ball MineIronPast Producer1940
Beulah Jolliff LandIronProspect1932
Burgesser MineIronProspect1907
Carl Johnson ProspectIronOccurrenceSurface
Carson BankIronPast Producer
Carson Iron MineIronPast Producer
Charles Johnson ProspectIronProspect
Clyde Led Be Her ProspectIronProspect
Cold Rock Hollow MineIronPast ProducerSurface
Cold Rock Hollow MineIronPast Producer
Dewey Minich PropertyIronOccurrenceSurface
Doan-Ives Iron MineIronPast Producer
Drew Whitten MineIronProspect1945
Elbert Roberts MineIronPast ProducerSurface
Erman Mcgibney PropertyIronOccurrenceSurface
Everett Hardwick MineIronPast Producer1952
Fanny Norman ProspectIronProspect1911
Flat Pond MineIronPast Producer
Frank Devers ProspectIronProspectSurface
Frank JuddIronOccurrenceSurface
Freeman ProspectIronProspect
Gus Hubble ProspectIronProspect
Harold Dills MineIronProspectSurface
Hayden Pressley PropertyIronPast ProducerSurface
Irvin DillIronPast Producer1942
J.Q.Haltman ProspectIronProspect
Jessie Jewell PropertyIronPast Producer
Johnson PropertyIronOccurrenceSurface
L.O. HuddlestonIronProspectSurface
L.S.Huff BankIronPast Producer
Mrs. Alma OverstreetIronPast Producer1944
Mrs.Ella Roberts PropertyIronPast Producer1936
Mt. Nebo BankIronProspect
Nebo Mt.IronProspect1942
Old MineIronPast Producer
Old Russell BankIronPast Producer
Pete Neiddleker PlaceIronOccurrenceSurface
Ragan MineIronPast Producer
Ray Gladden PropertyIronProspect1895
Raymond WarrenIronOccurrenceSurface
Rebecca Brazeal LandIronProspect1930
Ridington BankIronProspect
Roy Leamon PropertyIronOccurrenceSurface
Thayer BankIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronProspect
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronProspect
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronProspect
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - IronIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Unknown - LimoniteIronPast Producer
Virgil BayIronPast Producer1943
W.B. FordIronPast Producer1951
Willard Williams MineIronPast Producer
Wrenfrow ProspectIronProspect

Every populated place in the county

44

Named settlements recorded in the Geographic Names Information System, each with the topographic sheets covering it. Villages, hamlets and abandoned places alike. Each is shown with the nearest named watercourse or landform and the survey quadrangle it falls on.

The vanished settlements of Oregon County: the places named above that are no longer on the map.

Provenance

  • Topographic sheets. USGS Historical Topographic Map Collection, county index, measured from the bulk metadata.
  • Fire insurance maps. Library of Congress Sanborn collection, faceted to this county.
  • Photographs. Each place queried individually against the Library of Congress Prints and Photographs search.
  • Wildfire. Short, Karen C. 2022. Spatial wildfire occurrence data for the United States, 1992-2020 [FPA_FOD_20221014]. 6th Edition. Fort Collins, CO: Forest Service Research Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.2737/RDS-2013-0009.6 Collected with United States Government funding and usable without additional permissions or fees.
  • Mines and quarries. USGS Mineral Resources Data System (MRDS) https://mrdata.usgs.gov/mrds/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105.
  • Storms. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/stormevents/ A work of the United States government, no copyright under 17 U.S.C. 105. Narratives are quoted verbatim from the National Weather Service report and are not edited or summarised.