Shannon County 

Shannon County was organized in 1841, and named after George F. "Peg-Leg" Shannon, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  

Many of Missouri’s numerous springs can be found in Shannon County.  Blue Spring, Alley Spring, and Round Spring are just a few.   It is also the home of one of two wild horse herds in the Midwest.  Some of the best floating rivers are in Shannon County, Missouri.  The Jacks Fork and Current Rivers are both enjoyed during the summer for their beautiful, clean waters. 

The second largest county in Missouri, Shannon County covers just over 1000 square miles.  In 2008, the population was estimated at 8,423, making a population density of about 8 people per square mile. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shannon_County,_Missouri

Some towns in Shannon County are:

Eminence (County Seat) 2000 population: 548

Eminence is located in the center of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri's largest national park and the nation's first protected river system. Popular activities in the area include canoeing, hunting, fishing, and horseback riding.  Eminence maintains a small town feel, but in the summer becomes a resort city with several locally owned restaurants, motels, bed & breakfasts, including America's largest trail riding establishment. (Wikipedia)  You’ll find a beauty shop, a grocery store, a post office, a PreK-12 public school system, a florist, and even the town’s own coffee company.