community

Phelps County, Missouri, was established November 13, 1857.  The county was named for the honorable John Smith Phelps, then prominent Missourian and U.S. Congressman, and later governor of Missouri from 1877-1881.  The first county court convened on November 25, 1857 in the John Dillon cabin.  The historic courthouse was begun in mid-summer of 1860, used as a union hospital during the Civil War and served as the courthouse until February, 1994, at which time all county offices were relocated in the new Phelps County Courthouse.  The new courthouse was dedicated on May 22, 1994.



About Rolla

Nestled in the south central Ozarks Highland region, the City of Rolla is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology, Missouri’s premier technological research university, and boasts a history that predates the Civil War. The appeal of Rolla and the region to visitors, though, lies in its recreational opportunities. Outdoor attractions abound with numerous springs, forested hills and rivers. The parks system boasts over 304 acres including over 10 miles of walking trails, outdoor water park and state of the art indoor fitness complex. All these factors lead to an incredible quality of life as noted by Rolla consistently ranked among the most livable and desirable communities in the country by a number of publications.

Located at the intersection of I-44 and State Highway 63, Rolla is centrally located within the state and less than 100 miles from St. Louis, Jefferson City, Columbia and Springfield. It’s not just the outdoors that makes Rolla a fabulous place to visit or live, but the friendliness and cultural diversity. The beautiful scenery provides the backdrop but the City is blessed with an outstanding history and quality of life. The City was an important site during the Civil War, because the southwest branch of the Pacific Railroad ended here and the opening of Route 66 in Missouri was celebrated in Rolla. This is a community that values and promotes the arts, which explains the number of concerts, lectures, and exhibitions held annually. From the Blue Ribbon Schools to a regional medical center to a diverse economy, it's no wonder Rolla has been called one of the "101 Best Outdoor" towns or one of "America’s Dreamtown."

About St. James

Located in the central mid-west, St. James, "hometown U.S.A." wrapped into one unique package!  Motorists traveling I-44 from Springfield, Mo. to St. Louis, Mo., find it a perfect midway point to stop and visit.

Regardless of what you are shopping for, St. James area merchants aim to please  with a myriad of business establishments that offer fine dining, wineries, antiques
and collectibles, home decor, quaint gift items, homemade goodies, and specialty
shops that will accommodate the most hard to please.

If the great outdoors is what you crave, Meramec Spring Park, operated by the James Foundation, contains one of the largest springs in Missouri, numerous
recreational areas, museums, hiking trails, fishing and camping areas, a Missouri
Department of Conservation fish hatchery, and a store and cafe.

In September, tourism reaches its peak annually as the St. James Chamber of
Commerce  with  local volunteers host the Grape and Fall Festival.  This year, the  
78th Annual Grape & Fall Festival will be held from Sept. 8 -10, 2011.

Industry and Economic Development are priority to the Chamber of Commerce.  If
you have a business or company looking for a new home, contact us.  We would like
to welcome you to our community.