Versailles
The city of Versailles, MO was platted in 1835 by Wyan and Galbraith, pioneers of Morgan County. At this time in history there were still remnants of the Osage Indian Tribe, who first occupied this beautiful spot, living in the area. The highest point of the platted tact was selected for the public square, in the center of which the historical courthouse now sets. The first courthouse was built in 1844, but was destroyed by fire in 1887. The present courthouse was built in 1889. The first courthouse was a two-story building surrounded by a corral fence with hitching post placed at convenient intervals. It was built with bricks that were molded and baked in kilns in a small brickyard on the east side of town. Clay was ground in a horse drawn grinder and molded by hand. Many bricks from that brickyard were used to build the Panama Canal.
Today, the City of Versailles serves as the gateway to the Lake of the Ozarks resort area, a unique place where the agricultural prairies meet the Ozark Hills. With a population of more than 2500, Versailles is Morgan County’s largest city, as well as the county seat and trading center for thousands of area residents and visitors. The government offices are located in the courthouse that is in the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse sits in the middle of the downtown square, lending a nostalgic feel to the entire business district. There are many unique shops and restaurants in the downtown district as well as a special jewel, The Royal Theater, built in the 1930’s originally was used as a movie theater. In 1984, The Royal Arts Council was established, and with community support, purchased and renovated the theater and began scheduling live entertainment there.
Versailles offers a variety of culture, historical, and civil activities. An open-air market, featuring arts, crafts, antiques and flea-market items, is held at the Versailles Fairgrounds on weekends from April to October. The historic Martin Hotel serves as the home for the Morgan County Museum. In 1846, a stagecoach line made daily stops in Versailles. In 1852 the Martin family began to operate the Hotel. Although the guestrooms had no running water, were heated by wood-burning stoves and lighted by kerosene lamps, The Martin Hotel was considered one of the finest in the state. The guestrooms were furnished with a bed, washstand with bowl and pitcher, wardrobe, a chair and bedchamber. A coil of rope at the window in each guestroom served as the fire escape in case of fire. Hotel rates were $1.00 per day including 3 meals. Today it houses one of the finest museums in the entire area. It is a must see. The Versailles Area is also home to a large Mennonite community, which sells its products in local shops and eateries. Versailles is well known for The Olde Tyme apple festival, held the first Saturday in October, rain or shine. The festival draws over 30,000 visitors for the one-day celebration.
The local public schools are AAA rated and within driving distance of Tri-County Trade School in Eldon. There is also a private Christian Elementary School. Versailles and nearby communities are served by 25 churches, representing most major denominations. St. Mary’s Hospital and Capital Region Hospital both have clinics in town.
Versailles has a unique country charm and retains the atmosphere of small town America, even though the tourist play-ground of the state is just a few minutes away by automobile. Here in Versailles you can have the best of both worlds.
Come and visit for a day or stay a lifetime
