One Man's Dream
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
— Missouri State Parks —
At the beginning of the 1900s, Robert McClure Snyder, a Kansas City businessman, visited the area. He bought over 5,000 acres and began construction of his dream-a magnificent European-style mansion or "castle.” Material for the mansion, including sandstone, walnut and oak lumber, came from the area. A stone stable, an 80-foot water tower and nine greenhouses were built to attend the main house.
By 1906, one year after construction began, Snyder was killed in an automobile accident. The interior of the castle remained unfinished until his sons completed it in 1922.
On Oct. 21, 1942,
the castle and
stable were
destroyed by fire.
In 1976, the
water tower was
damaged by fire.
Today, the stark
exterior stone
walls of the
castle, stable and water tower are all that remain
of one man's dream.
Erected by Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Disasters • Forts and Castles • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. 37° 58.517′ N, 92° 46.067′ W. Marker is in Ha Ha Tonka, Missouri, in Camden County. Marker is on Natural Bridge Road, half a mile south of Missouri Highway
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Snyder's Legacy (here, next to this marker); American Indians, Trappers and Settlers (here, next to this marker); Water: Sculpting The Landscape (within shouting distance of this marker); The Water Tower (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line).
Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on December 10, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
