Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks
Nestled in the rolling hills of eastern Missouri, a mere thirty-minute drive from the bustling metropolis of St. Louis, lies the charming city of Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks. This historic locale, once a vital hub for westward expansion and a bustling stop along the iconic Route 66, now offers a tranquil escape, attracting those seeking the serenity of small-town life with convenient access to urban amenities. Its story is etched in the landscape, from the sandstone bluffs that whisper tales of silica mining to the remnants of historic landmarks that echo with the rumble of trains and the promise of the open road.
The genesis of Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks can be traced back to 1852, a period of fervent railroad construction and westward expansion. The Pacific Railroad Company, a driving force in connecting the eastern and western United States, selected this strategic location as the site for its first division west of the mighty Mississippi River. The company envisioned a thriving town, and thus, "Franklin" was officially laid out. On July 19, 1852, history was made as the first train triumphantly completed its inaugural run from St. Louis to Franklin, marking a significant milestone in the region’s development. This momentous occasion was met with exuberant celebrations, signifying the dawn of a new era for the burgeoning settlement.
The arrival of the railroad proved to be a catalyst for growth and prosperity. Its proximity to both major rivers and the expanding city of St. Louis made Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks an attractive destination for settlers seeking opportunity. The town quickly transformed into a bustling center of commerce and trade, its fortunes inextricably linked to the iron horse that had put it on the map. In 1859, the town was officially incorporated, and in a fitting tribute to its benefactor, the Pacific Railroad, the name was changed to Pacific.
The railroad continued to be the lifeblood of Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks, fueling its early growth and development. A vibrant downtown area began to emerge, with buildings constructed to serve the needs of both residents and travelers. Many of these historic structures still stand today, offering a glimpse into the city’s rich past and serving as tangible reminders of its railway heritage. They stand as silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of time, preserving the spirit of a bygone era.
The tranquility of Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks was shattered during the tumultuous years of the Civil War. In 1864, the town found itself in the crosshairs of the conflict when it was raided by Confederate General Sterling Price and his troops. The aftermath of the attack left the town reeling, with bridges, the depot, the ice house, and railroad supply houses reduced to smoldering ashes. The destruction was a significant blow to the town’s infrastructure and economy, underscoring the devastating impact of the war on communities across the nation.
However, the resilient spirit of the people of Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks prevailed. In the 1870s, a new economic opportunity emerged in the form of silica mining. Located in the sandstone bluffs just north of downtown, the silica deposits provided a valuable resource that revitalized the town’s economy. The silica sand extracted from these bluffs was highly sought after for the production of fine glassware, adding another layer to the town’s industrial history. Even today, the legacy of this mining era is visible in the form of large caverns that dot the bluffs along the north side of Route 66, a testament to the industrious past of this Missouri town. Mining operations continue in the area at the St. Peter Sandstone Formation south of Route 66 across the Meramec River.
The next major chapter in the story of Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks began in 1932 with the construction of U.S. Route 66. This iconic highway, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, brought a new wave of travelers and commerce to the town. Businesses quickly sprung up to cater to the increasing flow of traffic, transforming the landscape and injecting new life into the local economy. The Mother Road, as it was affectionately known, solidified Pacific’s position as a vital stop along the nation’s burgeoning highway system.
Among the first establishments to capitalize on the Route 66 boom was the Red Cedar Inn, a landmark that still stands today. Constructed in 1934 by James and Bill Smith, the Inn was built using logs harvested from the family farm and transported to the site on an old Ford truck. In 1935, a barroom was added, further enhancing the Inn’s appeal as a welcoming oasis for weary travelers. The Red Cedar Inn remained in continuous operation until 1972 when James Smith II retired. However, the family legacy continued in 1987 when James Smith III reopened the Inn, carrying on the tradition of serving Route 66 travelers with warmth and hospitality. On April 2, 2003, the Red Cedar Inn was rightfully placed on the National Register of Historic Places, a recognition of its significance in the history of Route 66 and the town of Pacific. Although the Inn closed its doors in 2005, the City of Pacific acquired the building in 2017 with the intention of transforming it into a new Welcome Center/Museum, ensuring that its legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Not far from the Red Cedar Inn, at 409 E. Osage Street, sits another piece of Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks history: the former location of Monroe’s Diner. This beloved eatery served countless breakfasts, lunches, and dinners to Mother Road travelers, becoming a cherished institution in the community. Though Monroe’s Diner has since closed, the building stands as a silent reminder of the days when Route 66 was the lifeblood of the town, a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia.
The landscape itself tells a story of Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks. Towering sandstone bluffs, sculpted by time and industry, line Route 66 as it winds through Pacific. Dotted with caves, remnants of the town’s silica mining past, these geological formations often catch the eye of travelers, prompting a second look. The caves were exposed in 1932 when Route 66 was realigned through Pacific, bypassing the Manchester Road alignment, further intertwining the town’s fate with the legendary highway.
Today, Pacific, Missouri – Gateway to the Ozarks offers a unique blend of small-town charm and convenient access to urban amenities. Its rich history, shaped by railroads, Route 66, and the industrious spirit of its residents, is woven into the fabric of the community. Just a short drive from St. Louis, it has become a haven for commuters seeking a more tranquil lifestyle, a place where the echoes of the past resonate with the promise of a bright future.