Named for the genus Viburnum, otherwise known as the black haw and arrowhead, the city of Viburnum, Missouri is in Iron County. Prior to the arrival of European-Americans in the 1830s, the area was occupied by the Osage Indians. By 1837, a community of settlers, mostly from Kentucky and Tennessee, had settled there. Before the Civil War, iron mining was large in the area, and Iron County was formed in 1857. Lead was discovered in the 1870s. Timber was also a commodity, as the area provided wood for railroad ties. Still, by 1889, there were only twelve people living in Viburnum, which had not yet been organized as a town. Lead ore was discovered in 1955, and the St. Joe Company began developing the ore in 1957, laying out the area for the town, designed so that one of its mines and a mill would be within the town limits to provide tax revenue. Before long, there were churches, schools, and shopping venues. In 1974, St. Joe Mining Company moved its headquarters to Viburnum, encouraging more businesses to be established in the city. After a hostile takeover bid by Seagrams in 1980, Fluor Corporation purchased the company, which is now owned by the Doe Run Company, whose Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling Division is headquartered in Viburnum. The city is located within the Mark Twain National Forest. Surrounding communities include Bixby, Courtois, Dillard, East End, and Good Water. St. Louis is one hundred and seventeen miles to the northeast.
Recommended Resources
In business since 1973, and headquartered in Viburnum, Missouri, the real estate company specializes in river, creek and spring properties. Available properties are highlighted here, with photographs, descriptions, and asking prices.
http://dickens.misn.com/
First Baptist Church of Viburnum
The Southern Baptist congregation is located on Iron County Road 1, at the intersection of State Highway Y, in Viburnum, Missouri. Service times, a church calendar, and an overview of the church’s ministries are put forward, and sermon podcasts are available from the site.
http://www.fbcviburnum.com/
Situated on ninety-two acres, including a stocked 12-acre lake in the midst of the Mark Twain National Forest, the campground offers recreational vehicle spaces and tent camping. Photographs of the grounds and facilities, a map, price list, calendar of events, and directions are offered.
http://www.holidaylakerv.com/
The K-12th grade public school district operates an elementary and combined junior/senior high school in Viburnum, Missouri. Central office hours and contacts, a faculty and staff directory, school board meeting agendas and minutes, district policies and an annual report are provided.
http://www.ironc4.k12.mo.us/
The annual celebration began more than thirty years ago as a one-day event celebrating the history of Viburnum, Missouri, and is currently a three-day festival with parades, contests, shows, mine tours, music and food vendors. Photographs of past events, schedules, and contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.oldminersdays.com/
The southeastern Missouri city is located in the Ozark Mountains, in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. The official municipal web site offers a history and profile of the community, meeting agendas and minutes, and a guide to local attractions and businesses.
http://www.viburnum.net/
