Evidence gathered from the Pleistocene Spring Bogs on the Pomme de Terre River indicates that approximately 30,000 years ago, during the last glacial period, animals such as the mastodon, tapir, musk ox, ground sloth, and giant beaver roamed the upper Osage Basin. During this period, spruce forests covered the area and the climate was much colder than today. The earliest mention of the Osage River was by Marquette, but the first known scientific expedition to the Osage River was in 1719 by Charles Du Tisne, who named the river for the Osage Indians. The Osage River was used as a part of the Santa Fe Trail. The trail was an The Corps of Engineers is responsible for important shipping route for the gold and silver operating and managing land and water mines in New Mexico and Arizona. resources at Truman Lake. The natural resource The rush of pioneer settlers began about management program is designed to protect 1831. Settlements were made along the Osage, and enhance the natural and cultural resources South Grand, Pomme de Terre, Weaubleau and provide visitors with quality recreational Creek, Sac River, Monegaw Creek, and opportunities. Clear Creek. These streams were the major Land management policies and practices transportation routes for shipping logs, produce, provide for the maintenance and protection and supplies. of wildlife habitat. Prescribed burns are used Warsaw and Fairfield, both of which were to convert old fields and fescue pastures into stops on the Butterfield Stage Line, were platted beneficial stands of native grass. One of in 1837. Osceola became a shipping point the most important tools utilized in wildlife for merchandise from the river boats. During management is the agricultural leasing program. the Civil War, Osceola was raided and burned By incorporating special lease conditions, the by General James Lane. All except ten houses program serves to protect and conserve soil, were destroyed, and most of the county records, water, vegetation, and wildlife resources. along with other loot, were carried away. Roscoe Over 53,000 acres have been licensed to the The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers received wide publicity as the village where Missouri Department of Conservation for fish and welcomes you to Harry S. Truman Dam and Captain Lull, a Pinkerton agent, was taken after wildlife resources. Reservoir, one of Missouri’s most popular being wounded in a gun battle with the Younger recreation lakes. You are invited to visit brothers in 1874. John Younger was killed in For additional information about the facilities or the Truman Lake Visitor Center, located on that battle. Monegaw, at one time a thriving the operation of Harry S. Truman Project Kaysinger Bluff at the east end of the dam. health resort town noted for its sulphur springs, The Visitor Center offers project orientation was the place where Chief Monegaw starved to write to: exhibits and a spectacular view of the lake death rather than be removed to a reservation. Harry S. Truman Project Office and dam. The Visitor Center closes for the The area also served as a hideout for the James- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers winter season. Younger outlaws. Clinton, county seat of Henry 15968 Truman Rd. County (originally Rives County), enjoyed a Warsaw, MO 65355 prosperous growth from its beginning. The area telephone: (660) 438-7317, ext. 1 is noted for its agriculture and coal mining. The valleys of the upper Osage and its or visit our website: tributaries are now inundated by Harry S. Truman www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/ Reservoir, but the rich history of the area lives on DistrictLakes/HarrySTrumanLake at the Visitor Center atop Kaysinger Bluff. Truman Reservoir is the largest flood control Located on the Prairie-Ozark border in The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers charges lake in Missouri, with a storage capacity of more Missouri, Truman Reservoir offers an ideal setting user fees for camping, boat launching, beach than 5 million acre-feet. The Truman Lake for outdoor recreation. Rugged hills, scenic use, and shelter reservations. Fees are seasonal drainage basin extends into Kansas and includes river bluffs and hardwood forests offer some and vary depending on the facilities and services Melvern, Pomona, and Hillsdale Lakes and of the best scenery in the state. The 55,600 provided. Pomme de Terre and Stockton Lakes in Missouri. acre lake offers water enthusiasts ample area Reservations can be made through the At normal pool elevation of 706 feet (above to pursue their interests. More than 100,000 National Recreation Reservation Service. To mean sea level), the reservoir has a surface area acres of project land surrounding the lake are contact this service call toll free 1-877-444- of about 55,600 acres, which is slightly smaller allocated for outdoor recreation activities such 6777 or TDD 1-877-833-6777. Reservations than the adjoining Lake of the Ozarks. as hunting and hiking. Project land is open to for campsites may be made on the internet at The Kaysinger Bluff Dam and Reservoir hunting in accordance with federal, state, and www.recreation.gov. was authorized in 1954 as one unit in a local laws, with exception of designated park comprehensive flood control plan for the Missouri areas shown on the map. The Truman Project is River basin. In 1970, the project was renamed managed by multiple agencies; therefore, rules by congress as the Harry S. Truman Dam and and regulations vary. Check with the managing Reservoir in honor of the former president from agency for appropriate rules before you recreate. Missouri. Construction began in August 1964, Overnight accommodations, services and and the spillway gates were closed in An abundance of fish and wildlife can be supplies are available at commercial concessions October 1979. found in and around Harry S. Truman Reservoir. on the lake and in nearby communities. Park The Truman Project, operating in conjunction Millions of fish have been stocked in the lake areas on Truman Reservoir offer a variety of with other lakes in the Osage River basin, by the Missouri Department of Conservation recreation facilities including boat launching helps to protect the lower Osage, Missouri and to supplement the existing fish population. ramps, campgrounds, picnic areas, and beaches. Mississippi River floodplains. Approximately 8,800 acres of standing timber A more complete list of recreational facilities and were left in the lake to provide quality aquatic managing agencies appears Harry S. Truman Dam, located on the Osage habitat. on the map side of this River about 1.5 miles northwest of Warsaw, A variety of wildlife comprises one of the brochure. Missouri, consists of an earth/rock embankment, project’s most valuable natural resources. White- concrete spillway, and hydroelectric power tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail and plant. Water is released through the power waterfowl are favorites of sportsmen. Truman plant to produce hydroelectric power. This Lake also provides habitat for wintering bald electrical power marketed by Southwestern Power eagles and breeding pairs which are often Administration is used to meet peak electrical present during summer months. demands when conventional power plants cannot fulfill the public’s need for electrical energy. Four large tainter gates, which are located within Truman Reservoir provides activities and the spillway, can be used during flood release enjoyment for everyone, but remember only a safe operations to supplement discharges made visit is an enjoyable one. Whatever your activity - through the power plant. KEEP SAFETY IN MIND. Six turbine-generator units transform the Truman Reservoir has numerous underwater energy of moving water into electrical energy. hazards. Be especially watchful for submerged Water in the reservoir is channeled through logs, fences and other obstructions. The river level gigantic intake tubes where water forces the below the dam can rise suddenly due to the release blades of the turbines to spin in a propeller of water for generation of hydroelectric power. An like fashion. The turbines turning action spins alarm will sound to warn persons downstream prior huge coils of wire inside the generators to to the release of water. convert mechanical energy into electricity. The To ensure your safety, please observe the rules generating capacity of the Truman Power Plant is and regulations. Do your part to make this visit rated at 160,000 kilowatts per hour. one you will remember - not regret. .