Rolla - "The Middle of Everywhere"
The city of Rolla is located right in the middle of Missouri. In fact, our slogan is "The Middle of Everywhere", and it's very nearly true. We're at the intersection of I-44 and US 63, halfway between St. Louis and Springfield, and an hour south of the capital Jefferson City. With rail service and an airport that can handle all but the biggest jets, you really can get just about anywhere from here.
Historically, the first settlers in Phelps County came in the early 1800s, as farmers and iron workers along the local rivers, such as the Meramec, the Gasconade, and the Little Piney. The first settlement in the City of Rolla proper was the home of John Webber, built in 1844. Nine years later, railroad contractor Edmund Ward Bishop, considered to be the founder of Rolla, settled in this area. Rolla was officially set aside as a town in 1858.
Interestingly enough, there are two stories on how the town of Rolla received its name. One, widely regarded as a folk legend, and acknowledged as such by the Phelps County Historical Society, comes from the battle to become the county seat with neighboring Dillon, Missouri. When Rolla was made the county seat in 1861, the residents of Dillon, losing the chance to be the home to the county seat, were allowed to choose the name of the new city, and named it Rolla, after a good-for-nothing hunting dog.
The other, more widely accepted story, came from a citizens' meeting. Webber preferred the name Hardscrabble, for the not farmable clay dirt in the region, and Bishop pushed for the name Phelps Center; however, the name for the town came from new settlers originally from North Carolina, who missed their hometown of Raleigh, but chose to spell it phonetically.
Rolla was a strategic sight during the American Civil War. Its original affiliation was Confederate. However, when the town was taken by Union forces in June of1861,two minor forts were built: Fort Wyman and Fort Dette
Throughout most of its history, Rolla has served as a transportation center. Rolla was the original terminus of the St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad, colloquially known as the "Frisco Line". Today the BNSF Railway runs directly through the town. At one time, Rolla was a major town in Missouri along U.S. Route 66, being located almost exactly halfway between the larger towns of St. Louis and Springfield.
Today, Rolla is a city where the public can enjoy many recreational opportunities. The Centre and SplashZone Park, a health and entertainment complex and summer water park, offers plenty of fun for the entire family. In addition, we have a golf course, fitness facilities, Oak Meadow country club and a movie theater with four indoor screens. Rolla also has tennis courts, many parks with lakes for fishing and hiking trails for a casual walk or jog. Access to many of Missouri's beautiful waterways are as close as five miles from the city, making them perfect for canoeing, fishing or just enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
For those that are into restored automobiles, we have Memoryville, USA, where restored automobiles from yesteryear can be viewed along with scenes from the 1900s. As you can see, a variety of experiences are here waiting for you to enjoy! Hope to see you soon!
Source:
Wikipedia Encyclopedia
City of Rolla
