University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Theses and Dissertations in Geography Geography Program (SNR) Winter 12-10-2009 The Changing Landscape of a Rural Region: The effect of the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir in the Osage River Basin of Missouri Melvin Arthur Johnson [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/geographythesis Part of the Human Geography Commons, and the Urban Studies and Planning Commons Johnson, Melvin Arthur, "The Changing Landscape of a Rural Region: The effect of the Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir in the Osage River Basin of Missouri" (2009). Theses and Dissertations in Geography. 5. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/geographythesis/5 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Geography Program (SNR) at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations in Geography by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF A RURAL REGION: THE EFFECT OF THE HARRY S. TRUMAN DAM AND RESERVOIR IN THE OSAGE RIVER BASIN OF MISSOURI By Melvin Arthur Johnson A DISSERTATION Presented to the Faculty of The Graduate College at the University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillment of Requirements For the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Major: Geography Under the Supervision of Professor David J. Wishart Lincoln, Nebraska December 2009 THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF A RURAL REGION: THE EFFECT OF THE HARRY S. TRUMAN DAM AND RESERVOIR IN THE OSAGE RIVER BASIN OF MISSOURI Melvin Arthur Johnson, Ph.D. University of Nebraska, 2009 Advisor: David J. Wishart The Harry S. Truman Dam and Reservoir project is of immense size. Many thousands of tons of raw materials were required to complete the construction of the dam and relocations. Millions of dollars were spent to acquire land, compensate those who were displaced, and to pay those who were employed in the planning, purchasing, coordinating, defending, and managing the myriad of contractors, contracts, and legal defenses. The affected area of the project is not only complex physically but also socially and economically. It is, therefore, not surprising that the counties studied (Benton, Henry, and St. Clair) would react in different ways to the same stimulus—the Truman project—from the very beginning, through construction, and finally after completion. This dissertation discusses the reaction of the three counties prior to construction, during construction, and for twenty years post construction. The population changes, changes to the local businesses including farm and non-farm entities, changes to the local tax structures, and finally the visual changes to the landscape are analyzed. The complexity of the situation at Truman as discussed in this dissertation, presents three distinct scenarios. Benton County, home of the dam and majority of project facilities received the greatest amount of economic resources. With a population which doubled, Benton County has capitalized upon its location to the greatest advantage. Henry County also received significant economic resources. However, Henry County had a more diversified economy in the beginning. With a steadily growing population, Henry County has primarily maintained a growing diversified economy with manufacturing, retail trade, and the services sectors providing the greatest amount of wealth to the county. St. Clair County received the fewest economic resources and has continued to have the highest poverty rates. Understanding these scenarios would be helpful to not only the future planner, but also the public policy decision maker and the general public when considering large scale economic development. This dissertation is dedicated to two incredible people: First, my wife, Leatha and most patient and supportive spouse. Second, Mr. Ed. Elmore, with whom I worked at the Corps of Engineers while completing the HST environmental statement. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS When undertaking a task such as a dissertation, it becomes apparent rather quickly that it cannot be completed without the assistance of many people. The support which I received from my wife and daughters was considerable. I have never understood how I “lucked out,” but I did. Leatha has not only been a loving and caring help mate, but also the most patient and supportive wife that a “dissertator” could wish. Sarah and Esther have continuously supported the whims of their father, and still claim me; why I do not understand. Without these three people, I could not have completed this dissertation. I have also been very fortunate to have a patient and understanding committee. David J. Wishart, my advisor, has always supported my decision to do a doctorate, and has mentored me in more ways than I am sure he realizes. Drs. J. Clark Archer, Rodrigo Cantarero, and Stephen Lavin have provided invaluable assistance and instruction throughout my program. Their assistance and forbearance in completing this dissertation was extremely valuable, as well as necessary. I must also recognize the assistance and support which I received from my students throughout my career. In particular, I would like to recognize the help and support which I received from two specific students. Mr. Martin Hutfless iii found the MERIC article which gave me the germ of an idea for the direction this dissertation would take. Mr. Matthew Mohebalian, whose patience with Adobe Illustrator and me, allowed me to complete the maps which were necessary. Many thanks to both of you for also believing in your “good ole teacher.” Camaraderie, kindness, support, argument, challenge and friendship are also necessary when completing a task such as a dissertation. In that regard, Becky Buller, Kenny French, Paul Kelley, and Ezra Zeitler were instrumental in so many ways in helping me complete this task. I would also like to recognize my office mate of two plus years, Matt Engel. Wise beyond his years, I have sought his advice and his help. For some reason he accepted me as a friend and a colleague, both are relationships which I truly treasure. One final note, I have decided that a sense of humor is required to complete a dissertation. Smiles are always desirable, especially when going through that last edit. For this I wish to thank the following people for making me smile and laugh during the last few months: Ms. Eva Bachman, Miss Sierra Blacketer, Ms. Kathy Hellwege, Ms. Joyce Hurst, Ms. Sarah Johnson, Mst. Sgt. Bradley Martinez, Mrs. Esther Martinez, Master Jorge Martinez, Dr. Chris Swift, Ms. Barbara Trail; and above all Mrs. Dr. Johnson. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION…………………………………………… 1 Literature…………………………………………………………………. 13 Purpose……………………………………………………………………. 23 Research Methods………………………………………………………... 26 Population………………………………………………………….. 26 Business and Income……………………………………………….. 26 Visual economic landscape changes………………………………... 29 Dissertation Format……………………………………………………… 31 CHAPTER TWO: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND PHYSICAL SETTING……………………………………………………………….…. 32 Background to the Truman Project…………………………………….. 32 Legal Setting……………………………………………………………… 34 Missouri River Comprehensive Plan (Pick-Sloan)……………………. 36 Corps of Engineers – Pick’s Plan……………………………………….. 36 Bureau of Reclamation – Sloan’s Plan………………………………….. 39 The Marriage – Pick-Sloan Plan……………………………………….... 43 Osage River Basin………………………………………………………... 51 Harry S Truman Dam and Reservoir Project (Truman Project)….…. 60 Study Area………………………………………………………………... 70 CHAPTER THREE: BENTON COUNTY 1960-2000………………………….. 72 Introduction………………………………………………………………. 72 Changing Population: 1960-2000………………………………………. 80 Changing Business Conditions 1960-2000…………………………….. 95 Agriculture………………………………………………………… 99 Non-Farm Businesses……………………………………………… 102 Changing Tax Structure: 1960-2000……………………………………. 120 Visual Landscape Changes……………………………………………… 128 Concluding Thoughts……………………………………………………. 143 CHAPTER FOUR: HENRY COUNTY 1960-2000……………………………... 145 Introduction………………………………………………………………. 145 Changing Population: 1960-2000………………………………………. 153 Changing Business Conditions: 1960-2000……………………………. 170 Agriculture………………………………………………………… 175 Non-Farm Businesses……………………………………………… 180 Changing Tax Structure: 1960-2000…………………………………… 196 v Visual Landscape Changes……………………………………………… 203 Concluding Thoughts……………………………………………………. 212 CHAPTER FIVE: ST. CLAIR COUNTY 1960-2000…………………………….215 Introduction………………………………………………………………. 215 Changing Population: 1960-2000……………………………………….. 222 Changing Business Conditions: 1960-2000……………………………. 237 Agriculture………………………………………………………… 246 Non-Farm Businesses……………………………………………… 249 Changing Tax Structure 1960-2000…………………………………….. 258 Changes to the Visual Landscape……………………………………… 263 Concluding Thoughts…………………………………………………… 276 CHAPTER SIX: CONCLUSION………………………………………………. 278 Discussion of Research Questions……………………………………... 279 County Scenarios………………………………………………………… 288 Concluding Thoughts…………………………………………………… 295 BIBLIOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………… 297 vi LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1: Corps of Engineers reservoirs in the Osage River Basin………… 52 Table 2-2: Public Use Areas at the Truman Project…………………………… 67 Table 3-1: Benton County Incorporated Communities………………………. 73 Table 3-2: Total Population for Benton County……………………………….. 81 Table 3-3: Median Age: 1960-2000 for Benton County……………………….. 82 Table 3-4: Benton County Population by townships, incorporated areas and census periods……………………………..… 93 Table 3-5: Poverty Levels in Missouri