MO-Murphy+Memorial+State+Forest


 * =Birding in Missouri=

Hickory County
=Murphy Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area= Wheatland, Missouri 65779 Murphy Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area web site Murphy Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area map

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Murphy Mem SF and WA
Coordinates: 37.953, -93.3839 eBird links: Hotspot map View details Recent visits My eBird links: Location life list Submit data

About Murphy Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area
From Wheatland, take US-54 east about 0.5 mile.

This area is mostly forest. Facilities/features: primitive camping.

John Fisher Murphy had been a friend, student and protector of the land and conservation movement most of his life. In later years prior to retirement, he was actively involved as office manager of the Hickory County ASCS Office. This job, combined with his love for the land that had been in his family since the turn of the century and his close association with several farm foresters and conservation agents, resulted in the bequeath of this land to the Missouri State Conservation Commission.

Fisher, also known as Mike, was a small built Irish man. He was educated (a former teacher), well read and could converse on most any topic. He asked many questions and some of them were loaded questions. He had a sly sense of humor, but never used it to intentionally embarrass you.

Historical records show that the Cross Timbers (to Quincy) Spur Road of the Old Butterfield State Coach Line curved up the southwest of the tract. According to local stories, passengers took refuge in the caves during bad storms. Another legend tells that during the Civil War, an underground railroad to help slaves escape to freedom up north passed through this area. The Mansion, a two-story house used as a refuge for the slaves on their journey, stood on a farmstead about a mile west of the forest boundary. The slaves reportedly hid out in caves during raids and in other times of danger. From Murphy Memorial State Forest and Wildlife Area web site

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media type="custom" key="27049804" || L859344 US US-MO US-MO-085 37.953 -93.3839 Murphy Mem SF and WA