History of the Lake of the Ozarks!
The Lake of the Ozarks isn't just a pretty place. It is also a place full of rich history that not everyone is familiar with. Ozark Yacht Club is the best destination at the Lake of the Ozarks, and we are proud to be a part of this community, and we are excited to share some of that history today! Keep reading to learn all about the history of the Lake of the Ozarks.
The Lake of the Ozarks was first inhabited by the Osage Indians. As time passed, explorers came into the area (including Lewis and Clark) and started developing the land in order to install railroads and small communities. In 1929, Union Electric Company of St. Louis began constructing the dam that has created the Lake we know and love today.
Photo Credit: FunLake
Quick History
The Lake of the Ozarks was first inhabited by the Osage Indians. As time passed, explorers came into the area (including Lewis and Clark) and started developing the land in order to install railroads and small communities. In 1929, Union Electric Company of St. Louis began constructing the dam that has created the Lake we know and love today.
Lasting Power
The Lake of the Ozarks was created as the world's largest man-made lake in 1929, but it almost didn't happen. A few short months after construction started, the Great Depression began, sweeping the nation with panic and eventually poverty. The building of Bagnell Dam, however, didn't stop. Instead, it provided great economic growth and job opportunities for the area. In fact, over 4,500 workers were employed by the project.
The Dam
The dam is made out of concrete and has a power station, spillway, and two retaining sections to help it operate smoothly. In fact, it provides 215,000 kilowatts of energy to the state. The highway runs over it as well to provide transportation from one side of the Lake to the other. The Lake started to fill in February of 1931 and opened for travel that May!
Photo Credit: FunLake
History of the Lake's Cities
The Lake brought a lot of businesses and homeowners to the area and began building a thriving community. Check out the history of each city, as told by FunLake.com ...
Lake Ozark
"After Bagnell Dam was completed, enterprises moved to the west side of the Dam and re-opened, pioneering tourism. Very few of the original buildings of that generation have survived, although the White House, built in 1932, has been recently renovated."
Osage Beach
"Named for a man-made sand beach on the banks of the Osage River at the foot of a steep hill, Osage Beach was platted in 1928, by real estate developers who sold lots even before the Dam was completed. Two small towns, Zebra, originally on the Osage River and named for the striped appearance of nearby bluffs, and Damsel existed here. Eventually both were incorporated into Osage Beach. The Grand Glaize Bridge was finished before the Dam and was nicknamed The Upside Down Bridge because the framing structure was underneath to offer people an unimpeded view of the Lake."
"This historic log building was completed in 1930 for Union Electric, by Stone and Webster Engineering Corp. and designed by Louis La Beaume, a noted St. Louis architect and partner in the architectural firm of La Beaume and Klein. His design was two years in the making and was approved by Union Electric (UE) President Louis A. Egan, whose name the lodge informally bore in its early years. Early documentation refers to the lodge as an administrative and entertainment facility for UE during the first few years of the Great Osage River Project."
Lake Ozark
"After Bagnell Dam was completed, enterprises moved to the west side of the Dam and re-opened, pioneering tourism. Very few of the original buildings of that generation have survived, although the White House, built in 1932, has been recently renovated."
Osage Beach
"Named for a man-made sand beach on the banks of the Osage River at the foot of a steep hill, Osage Beach was platted in 1928, by real estate developers who sold lots even before the Dam was completed. Two small towns, Zebra, originally on the Osage River and named for the striped appearance of nearby bluffs, and Damsel existed here. Eventually both were incorporated into Osage Beach. The Grand Glaize Bridge was finished before the Dam and was nicknamed The Upside Down Bridge because the framing structure was underneath to offer people an unimpeded view of the Lake."
Willmore Lodge
"This historic log building was completed in 1930 for Union Electric, by Stone and Webster Engineering Corp. and designed by Louis La Beaume, a noted St. Louis architect and partner in the architectural firm of La Beaume and Klein. His design was two years in the making and was approved by Union Electric (UE) President Louis A. Egan, whose name the lodge informally bore in its early years. Early documentation refers to the lodge as an administrative and entertainment facility for UE during the first few years of the Great Osage River Project."
Vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks
The Lake of the Ozarks is a great place to visit any time of year, but the summer is an especially popular time. Learn more about the history of the area, explore castle ruins, go on adventure hikes, rent a boat to enjoy the water, and stay in the best lodging at the Lake with Ozark Yacht Club! The Lake is sure to exceed all of your expectations. We can't wait to see you soon!
500 Yacht Club Landing Dr.
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Phone: 573-552-8401
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Phone: 573-552-8401
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