Maramec Spring Park

05/15/2026

On This Date:
May 12-15, 1826

May 12th, 1826 - Samuel Massey and his crew arrive at Cincinnati, OH, where they purchase more goods. They switch boats, from flat to keel, at this port to continue their journey.

May 15th, 1826 - Near Jeffersonville, just north of Louisville, Samuel enlists the paid services of a boat captain to navigate the keelboat over the Ohio River Falls. These falls were treacherous for inexperienced captains. Often, these captains would move cargo and crew overland and pick up a new boat below. It seems the Maramec Iron Works crew chose to take their chances on navigation instead!

05/11/2026

May 9-11, 1826
May 9th, 1826
Samuel Massey arrived in Manchester, OH, and purchased a flatboat. The 1826 ledger lists the payment of hands to load the boat, meaning the initial crew of unmarried men traveling to Missouri boarded the flatboat on the Ohio River and traveled to Maysville, OH, where they stopped for repairs and boat cutlery.

On May 11th, 1826, a ledger entry was made, "drayage of goods" at Ripley, OH. It also lists the purchase of food provisions and payment of a tavern tab for hands.

These first few stops seem to include the purchase of items the men on the flatboat will need as they leave populated areas - food, cutlery, and kitchen wares - that were not brought on the original wagon.

05/09/2026

05/08/2026

Oxen and mules were preferred over horses for the hauling of ore due to their strength, durability, and reliability. They were also easier to feed and cheaper to purchase.

05/02/2026

May is all about travel and transportation in our Bicentennial Celebration! On May 1st, 1826, the months-long trek to Missouri began. Samuel Massey left Marble Furnace, southeast of Chillicothe, Ohio, 200 years ago today with a wagon full of provisions and final instructions in hand. Follow along with us this spring and summer as we follow their travels from Ohio to the rugged Ozarks of Missouri!

05/01/2026

We would LOVE for you to participate in this month's GooseChase!!!

04/30/2026

Check us out!

As America prepares for its 250th birthday, we're shining a light on the places that make Missouri special - St. James, the home of Maramec Spring Park.The park

04/29/2026

Wildflower Wednesday!

04/29/2026

Please keep an eye out for our shelled friends!

Wild turtles are on the move 🐢🐢

You may notice them attempting to cross roadways, especially near wetlands, ponds, and wooded areas. Please keep an eye out while driving, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

If you see a turtle on the road and it’s safe to help, gently move it in the direction it was heading.

Never turn a turtle around, they have an important destination in mind!