This county is situated on the southern line of the State, was, until recently, one of the largest counties, as shown on old maps. It now contains but about eighteen townships. Population in 1860, 3448, Howell having been formed from the western part of it. A great proportion of the land is too rough and sterile for profitable cultivations---probably not over one-fifth being what can really be called fertile farming land. It was all naturally timber land, principally oaks, hickory, ash, and walnut; but the north part of the county embraces some fine large pine timber, which, to render available, must be sawed by steam-mills, there being no water power convenient.

The first settlement was made in 1803 by Charles Hatcher. The first settlers for a number of years were obliged to take their furs, peltries, and wild honey to Cape Girardeau, 135 miles distant , on horseback, and bring in return their goods by the same conveyance. Their nearest point to a river outlet now is Pocahontas, Arkansas, 55 miles, and to railroad, at Ironton, 110 miles.

This county is well adapted to fruit growing and grazing, as both soil and climate are favorable. Lead and copper ore has been found in the county, but no mines have been opened.

Churches and Schools.---There are 15 places of meeting in the county by the Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian denominations. Of schools, 16 free schools and 6 private are taught. Good teachers are much needed.

ALTON, the county seat, is near the center of the county, and has fair prospects of becoming an important business point. Thomasville, on the head waters of the Eleven Point River; Lowassie, in the northeast corner; Engleside, in the east; Webster, in the southern; Warm Fork, in the southwest; and Jobe, in the southeast corner of the county, are all new towns.

Missouri, as it is in 1867, An Illustrated Historical Gazetteer of Missouri by Nathan H. Parker, published 1867 by J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia

Cemeteries of Oregon County 

Oregon County Cities, Towns, & Communities 
                  {Past and Present}

1850 Heads of Household for Oregon County Census 

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