TWO RIVERS AREA HISTORY
The southeastern Ozarks were long isolated from outside influence due to the rugged nature of the environment. Scotch-Irish settlers began to filter in shortly after The Louisiana Purchase in 1804, and by the 1850s, subsistence farmers occupied most lands in the river valleys.
In 1924, state parks were established at Round Spring, Alley Spring, and Big Spring. It was during this time that a concept was developed for a linear park encompassing a large section of the Jacks Fork River. In 1933, large tracts of land were purchased in the region for the Clark National Forest, which today is part of Mark Twain National Forest. In 1956, The National Park Service conducted a study and issued a report calling for establishment of a corridor park along the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. In 1962, President John F. Kennedy endorsed the formation of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall and other officials visited the region and floated the Current River. Following his strong endorsement, a bill was submitted to Congress for the formation of the park. President Lyndon Johnson signed it into law and Ozark National Scenic Riverways became a reality.
Approximately 80,000 acres of rugged Ozark land along the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers today form Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors each year enjoy the solitude and natural beauty of the forested hills, soaring bluffs, caves, springs, plants, animals, and historic buildings that create a memorable experience for all who view them.
Two Rivers Canoe Rental is an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service. We operate within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. More information about the National Park Service is available on their website: www.nps.gov\ozar.
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