THIS ARTICLE IS PART OF OUR ONGOING JOPLIN NEWS FIRST ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL SERIES.
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. — 100 years ago, before Route 66 connected the country, there was the Ozark Trail. The Ozarks TA (Travel America) opened in April 2023. A brand new truck stop/travel plaza in Mount Vernon. Paying homage to the early roads in our region with a huge replica of a destination and distance/mile marker, like those found along the Ozark Trail.
In the early 1900’s William “Coin” Harvey saw a need for good roads in the Ozarks so he formed the Ozark Trails Association in 1913.
Harvey is well known for founding a Health Resort at Monte Ne, outside Rogers, Arkansas. He also ran for President in 1901 gaining 5% of the national vote. He represented the new Libertarian Party which met at the resort in 1931…