Defiance, Missouri

Daniel Boone moved to present-day Missouri (then known as Upper Louisiana under Spanish control) in the fall of 1799. Facing severe debt and legal troubles in Kentucky, he and his extended family relocated after being offered a generous 850-acre land grant in the Femme Osage district by the Spanish government.

Daniel Boone hunted and trapped with Shawnee companions after moving to Missouri. Notably, during a major expedition in 1815, he went on a trapping trip accompanied by an unnamed Shawnee hunter and a companion named Derry Coburn.

He lived in Missouri for the final two decades of his life, settling near what is now Defiance, and serving as a syndic or magistrate of the district. He passed away at the home of his son, Nathan Boone, in September 1820.

Missouri River Defiance MO

Missouri River Defiance MO_AI

Great camping trip with brothers Ed and Ken Englert (formerly known as the Kenny Kids). Two amazing dudes that have been letting their little brother tag-along since we were kids.

Great camping trip with brothers Ed and Ken Englert (formerly known as the Kenny Kids). Two amazing dudes that have been letting their little brother tag-along since we were kids.

Bufordville, Missouri

In 1797, George Frederick Bollinger received a land grant in Upper Louisiana from the Spanish Government and moved with several other families from North Carolina to what is now Burfordville, Missouri. In 1800, Bollinger began building a log dam and mill on the Whitewater River. In 1825, Bollinger rebuilt the mill and dam using limestone. After Bollinger’s death in 1842, his daughter Sarah Daugherty and her sons continued to operate the mill until the Civil War, when the mill was burned by the Union army in order to prevent the supply of flour and meal to the Confederate army.

Bollinger Mill Bufordville MO

Bollinger Mill Bufordville MO_AI

Centerville, Missouri

The mill is a replica that was built in 1973 to replace the original mill that was moved to the Smithsonian Institute. The original mill was built in 1881.

Reed Springs Mill Centerville MO

Reed Springs Mill Centerville MO_AI

Pilot Knob, Missouri

Fort Davidson was a hexagonal earthwork with approximately 150-foot-long sides. The walls were constructed of packed earth lined with planks on the interior and a dry moat that encircled the fort.

The Battle of Pilot Knob on September 27, 1864, was a fierce Civil War engagement where roughly 1,450 Union defenders under Brigadier General Thomas Ewing Jr. successfully repulsed massive infantry assaults by 8,000 Confederate troops led by Major General Sterling Price before executing a covert night escape.

Fort Davidson Pilot Knob MO

Fort Davidson Pilot Knob MO_AI

Watching the vibrant red cardinals and the gentle mourning doves flitting about outside the sunroom window in January is a delightful way to pass the time. The cardinals, a splash of color against the winter backdrop, hop from branch to branch, while the mourning doves coo softly, their mournful calls adding a touch of melancholy to the scene. It’s a reminder of the resilience of life in the face of the cold, a small slice of nature’s beauty to enjoy from the warmth of indoors.

The deer moved through the snow-covered pasture with a quiet grace, their hooves sinking softly into the deep drifts. Their coats, thick and luxurious, provided warmth against the biting cold. The deer seemed to move in slow motion, each step deliberate and purposeful. The scene was a picture of winter serenity, a reminder of the resilience of wildlife in the face of the harsh elements.

The plump mockingbird perched confidently on the feeder, its gray feathers ruffled against the crisp autumn air. It had grown noticeably rounder since the summer months, preparing for the challenges of winter. This resourceful bird, known for its mimicry and territorial nature, was now focused on building up reserves to survive the colder months.

On a snowy day, the vibrant red plumage of a cardinal stands out in stark contrast to the pristine white landscape. These bold birds seem to thrive in the winter weather, their cheerful calls echoing through the quiet air. Whether perched on a snow-covered branch or hopping across the frozen ground, the cardinal adds a splash of vibrant color to the winter scene, a reminder of life and resilience in the face of the cold.