Eminence in Shannon County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Alley Spring
The Alley Mill Hamlet
— Ozark National Scenic Riverways —
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2010
1. Alley Spring Marker
Inscription.
Alley Spring. The Alley Mill Hamlet. The cold, clear water of Alley Springs churns from a funnel-shaped basin at an average flow of 81 million gallons per day. Because of its abundance of fresh water this site has been inviting to a variety of people through time. Archeological evidence suggests that native peoples have been present around the spring for centuries.
Early settlers built a grist mill at the edge of the spring about 1868. In 1894 the steel roller mill was constructed on the same site and still stands today. Steel rollers that ground the grain were powered by a turbine rather than a waterwheel. The turbine can be seen beneath the porch on the east side of the mill. The presence of a mill led to the addition of other services. After designation of a post office in 1884, the area became known as Alley. Eventually, the community that developed around the mill contained a general store, blacksmith shop, and school as well. Because of early preservation efforts Alley Spring Mill remains as a symbol of our heritage. In 1924 Alley Spring became one of our Missouri state parks. In 1964 it was given to the National Park Service by the State of Missouri and designated as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
The cold, clear water of Alley Springs churns from a funnel-shaped basin at an average flow of 81 million gallons per day. Because of its abundance of fresh water this site has been inviting to a variety of people through time. Archeological evidence suggests that native peoples have been present around the spring for centuries.
Early settlers built a grist mill at the edge of the spring about 1868. In 1894 the steel roller mill was constructed on the same site and still stands today. Steel rollers that ground the grain were powered by a turbine rather than a waterwheel. The turbine can be seen beneath the porch on the east side of the mill.
The presence of a mill led to the addition of other services. After designation of a post office in 1884, the area became known as Alley. Eventually, the community that developed around the mill contained a general store, blacksmith shop, and school as well.
Because of early preservation efforts Alley Spring Mill remains as a symbol of our heritage. In 1924 Alley Spring became one of our Missouri state parks. In 1964 it was given to the National Park Service by the State of Missouri and designated as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Location. 37° 8.574′ N, 91° 26.514′ W. Marker is in Eminence, Missouri, in Shannon County. Marker is on Missouri Route 106. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eminence MO 65466, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Eminence (approx. 4.6 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 10.9 miles away).
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2010
2. Alley Spring Mill
Alley Mill Grist Mill
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2010
3. Alley Spring Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2010
4. Alley Spring Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2010
5. Alley Spring Marker
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2010
6. Alley Spring Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 676 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 11, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
