Chilton-Williams Farm Complex: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Regions 3, 4, & 5 Park Cultural Landscapes Program

Inventory Unit Description: The Chilton-Williams Farm Complex is located at Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Shannon County, Missouri. The approximately 180-acre landscape is essentially defined by three primary components: the Chilton Homestead area, the Lesh/Williams Farm area, and the expanse of agricultural fields that cover the fertile bottom-land of Owls Bend. The northern boundary of the landscape is defined by the course of the Current River. The boundary extends far enough east and south to include the open expanses of agricultural fields. Beginning at the southernmost tip of open field, the southwestern boundary follows the Chilton-Williams Farm Road (HS-Road) until it reaches the Chilton Homestead area, which defines the westernmost point. The Chilton Homestead area is the most isolated portion of the complex, separated from the rest of the farm by approximately 26 acres of dense forest. The Chilton House (HS-315) is not only the oldest structure on the farm, but one of the oldest in Shannon County. It was built somewhere between 1869 and 1880. The house is surrounded by a small grassy clearing. Near the northeastern corner is a stone-lined cistern that is partially filled in with earth and compost, and has been infiltrated by a network of roots from trees situated at the edge. On the southern side of the clearing is a small barn (HS-321) that originally functioned as the first Owls Bend Post Office. West of the small barn, the trace of the Chilton-Williams Farm Road can be seen to continue on through the woods. Just inside the wood-line along the northwest portion of the clearing is an underground concrete storm shelter (HS-337). It appears as a small earthen mound with a short flight of concrete steps descending to a small open doorway. The Lesh/Williams Farm area consists of the Lesh/Williams House (HS-318) and a sprawling complex of outbuildings. The approximately 80 acres of agricultural fields all lay outside of the National Register boundaries, with the exception of the field located in the southeastern corner of the landscape. Although they were not included in the National Register Nomination, the historic fields are a vital component of the cultural landscape. The Chilton-Williams Farm Complex was unique among farms along the upper reaches of the Current River, as most lacked the broad expanse of fertile bottom land that was rarely afforded by the narrow confines of the river valley. The fields are still mowed, and so maintain the same appearance they would have when the farm complex was occupied and active. Two concrete silos (HS-339 and HS-340) are located near the southwestern corner of the southern field.

Chilton-Williams Farm Complex: Cultural Landscapes Inventory, Ozark National Scenic Riverways

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