Clearwater Lake
(Less than a mile from the property)

Reynolds County Courthouse, Centerville

Clearwater Lake

Reynolds County 

The county was named after Missouri’s seventh governor, Thomas Reynolds, who served from 1840-1844.  Between 1812 and 1845, Reynolds County was at various times a part of the following counties:  Ste. Genevieve, Cape Girardeau, Wayne, Madison, Ripley, Washington and Shannon.  The courthouse, and all records, burned twice through the years.  If you are interested in historical records research, it has proven to be a difficult task because of these considerable bumps in the road.  However, if you are simply seeking general information about current day Reynolds County, we have done a little of the work for you. 

Reynolds County, Missouri, is located in the northwest portion of what is known as the Ozark Foothills Region.  It is 814 square miles, with a population of 6,689 (2000 census), making a population density of 8 people per square mile.

Some towns in Reynolds County are:

Centerville (County Seat) 2000 population: 171

Centerville is the county seat, thus the location of the County Courthouse.  Typical of many rural towns, Centerville is home to a small diner, a county library branch, a bank, 3 churches, a K-8 public school system, and a weekly newspaper.  Just outside of the city limits a small feed store and a convenience store with gas can be found.

Bunker  2000 population:  427

Nestled in the trees of the Mark Twain National Forest, Bunker is home to a bank, approximately 10 churches, a county library branch, a K-12 public school system, and cable television is available. 

Ellington  2000 population: 1,045

Ellington is the image of small town USA.  There is a motel and a bed and breakfast for out of town guests.  One restaurant serves home-style cooking, and another will feed the burger-and-fries lover in you.  There are 5 churches, a shopping center, a public library, two public parks, and a tennis court.  Banks, an auto supply store, a florist, and an animal hospital also call Ellington home.  The city also promotes their Spring Fever Days celebration.  Previous years’ festivities included Bluegrass and gospel music, a parade, a classic car and motorcycle show, carnival rides, games, and lots of good food. 

National Protected Areas

• Mark Twain National Forest

• Ozark National Scenic Riverways

State Parks in the Area

·        Taum Sauk Mountain State Park http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taum_Sauk_Mountain_State_Park

·        Elephant Rocks State Park http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elephant_Rocks_State_Park

·        Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnson%27s_Shut-Ins_State_Park