West Plains, MO
Music connected to West Plains
About West Plains
- • Dick Van Dyke, famed actor, spent part of his childhood in West Plains.
- • The Southern Gospel Music Association was founded in West Plains.
- • Its location on the historic Ozark Trail brought early settlers and commerce.
- • West Plains boasts a large Amish community with unique businesses and traditions.
- • A devastating fire in 1907 destroyed much of the downtown area.
- • Named for its location on the western edge of the Ozark plains, established in 1883.
- • Population hovers around 12,000, smaller than many regional hubs.
- • Sitting at 971 feet, the elevation gives cool nights and mild days.
- • Healthcare and retail are major employers in West Plains.
- • Small-town charm evokes a sense of nostalgia and peaceful living.
- • St. Louis Cardinals, approximately 200 miles east, are a regional favorite.
- • Zizzer basketball enjoys a strong local following and a rich history.
Artists From West Plains
Songs About West Plains
trail of tears
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