Desloge, Missouri
by Richard Feb 23, 2023
Nestled in the heart of St. Francois County, Desloge, Missouri is a charming city brimming with small-town charm and friendly locals. With a population of 4,823 according to the 2020 census, this tight-knit community offers a welcoming respite from the hustle and bustle of big city life.
Dating back to 1941, Desloge is a relatively young city, but it has quickly established itself as a thriving hub of culture and commerce in the region. Known for its scenic beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, Desloge offers plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.
One of the most remarkable things about Desloge is the sense of community that permeates every corner of the city. Whether you're strolling through one of the local parks, browsing the shops in the historic downtown district, or enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, you're sure to feel the warmth and hospitality of the locals.
Desloge also boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. From the annual Desloge Fall Festival to the St. Francois County Fair, there's always something happening in this lively city. And with its proximity to major metropolitan areas like St. Louis, Desloge offers the best of both worlds - a small-town lifestyle with easy access to big-city amenities.
Despite its small size, Desloge has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment and recreation. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the natural beauty of the region or a culture vulture eager to immerse yourself in the local arts scene, there's something for everyone in this charming Missouri city.
In short, Desloge is a hidden gem of a city that offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, you're sure to be captivated by the beauty and charm of this delightful Missouri city.
History
Desloge, Missouri, is a city with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when it was founded by Firmin V. Desloge II, son of Firmin René Desloge, who immigrated to the United States from France. The younger Desloge learned the art of mining from his father and acquired numerous mining claims in the region. After a fire destroyed his concentrating plant in Bonne Terre, he set his sights on the present-day Desloge area, where he consolidated several local mining companies and established the Desloge Consolidated Lead Company.
Desloge built a concentrating plant and sank a shaft in an area now referred to as "Desloge Town." The city quickly became one of the principal lead mining centers in the United States, and Desloge's influence was felt throughout the region. In fact, the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District owes much of its success to Desloge's vision and leadership.
Although the Desloge Consolidated Lead Company was sold to the St. Joe Lead Company in 1929, the Desloge family's legacy lives on. Firmin Desloge II's will included a gift of the original 47 acres of hand-dug pits from the original lead mining operations, which the family donated for a park now known as Firmin Desloge Park. The family's dedication to the mining families in the area was evident in this gift, which serves as a reminder of the rich history of the Desloge family and its contributions to the community.
Firmin Desloge II eventually moved to St. Louis, where his son, Firmin Desloge III, continued the family's mining legacy as superintendent of mines. In 1941, the city of Desloge was incorporated, with D.E. Brown serving as its first mayor. Today, the city is a thriving community with a rich history that is celebrated by its residents.
In June 2012, three great-great-grandsons of Firmin Desloge II attended a dedication ceremony for a bronze medallion donated by great-grandson Steven Rockwell Desloge. This ceremony serves as a reminder of the importance of the Desloge family's contributions to the history of Desloge, Missouri, and the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District.
Overall, Desloge, Missouri, is a city with a rich and fascinating history that is closely tied to the Desloge family's mining legacy. The city's success owes much to the vision and leadership of Firmin V. Desloge II, whose contributions to the region are still felt today.
Services
Desloge, Missouri is a small town with a big heart, located in the heartland of America. Despite its size, the town is home to many community services that help its residents thrive.
One of the town's gems is the Desloge City Park, located at Parkside and Walnut streets. The park boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, picnic tables, barbecue pits, an amphitheater, a walking/jogging path, and playground equipment. It's the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day with family and friends. Brightwell Park is another great spot, where three baseball diamonds cater to little to senior-league baseball and softball players.
Desloge's community services are top-notch. The City of Desloge Police Department employs ten people and keeps residents safe with emergency calls being handled by the St. Francois County Joint Communications Center. The City of Desloge Volunteer Fire Department is also a vital service, with a 2000 pumper truck at the ready. The City of Desloge Public Works Department oversees the Municipal Waterworks system, streets and alleys, trash removal, recycling, and city maintenance, ensuring the town is well-maintained.
Residents in Desloge benefit from free weekly trash pickup, and a citywide voluntary recycling program is also available. These services make it easy for residents to keep the town clean and beautiful.
When it comes to health services, BJC Health Systems in Bonne Terre and Farmington are the nearest medical providers. Unfortunately, the Mineral Area Regional Medical Center in Farmington closed in 2016, but residents can still access top-notch care at other nearby facilities.
Education is another area where Desloge shines. The North County R-1 School District serves students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Mineral Area College, a two-year community college, is the first in Missouri to offer the 2+2 program, allowing students to earn a four-year degree through Central Methodist University. The Unitec Career Center also provides business and industry training to help residents advance their careers.
Lastly, Desloge is proud to have a lending library, the Desloge Public Library. Residents can access a wealth of knowledge and resources at the library, making it a valuable resource for the town.
In conclusion, Desloge, Missouri may be a small town, but it's big on community services, education, and recreational activities. Its residents have access to high-quality services and facilities that help them thrive. From the beautiful parks to the excellent schools, Desloge is a great place to call home.
Geography
Desloge, Missouri, may not be the biggest city in the state, but it is certainly a unique and beautiful one. Located at the geographical coordinates of 37.872781, -90.520484, Desloge is a small city of just 2.9 square miles, all of which is land. The city may not have the vast, rolling hills or majestic mountains of some other parts of the state, but it has its own charming geography that sets it apart.
The city is nestled in the heart of St. Francois County, Missouri, surrounded by gently rolling hills and a landscape dotted with trees and small streams. While it may not be a dramatic or awe-inspiring natural setting, the subtle beauty of the area is undeniable, with a quiet charm that invites exploration and discovery. Whether you're a nature lover or just someone who enjoys a scenic drive, Desloge's geography has something to offer.
One of the most notable features of the city's geography is its relative flatness. While some areas of the city have a slight incline or decline, for the most part, the land is level and easy to navigate. This makes it an ideal location for the city's various parks, which offer a range of recreational activities, including an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and walking and jogging paths. The city's parks also provide a lovely setting for picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings.
Another unique aspect of Desloge's geography is its proximity to other cities and attractions in the area. Located just a short drive from both Bonne Terre and Farmington, Desloge is ideally situated for those looking to explore the region. The area is home to several notable natural attractions, including the St. Joe State Park, where visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping, and the Missouri Mines State Historic Site, where you can learn about the area's rich mining history.
In conclusion, Desloge, Missouri, may not have the dramatic landscapes or soaring heights of some other parts of the state, but its subtle beauty and charming geography make it a truly special place. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, the city's flat terrain, parks, and proximity to other attractions make it an ideal location to explore and enjoy.
Demographics
Desloge, Missouri is a city that has seen changes in its demographics over the years, but has remained a predominantly white community. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's population has fluctuated between 1957 and 5054 people over the past 70 years, with a current population of 4823 people.
As of the 2010 census, Desloge had a population density of 1742.8 people per square mile, with 97.37% of residents identifying as White, 0.77% as Black or African American, 0.24% as Native American, 0.16% as Asian, and 1.40% as mixed race. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 1.09% of the population. The median age in Desloge is 37.4 years, and the gender makeup is 47.7% male and 52.3% female.
Compared to the 2000 census, Desloge's population has slightly decreased. In 2000, the population was 4802, with a density of 1808.8 people per square mile. The racial makeup was similar, with 98.63% of residents identifying as White, 0.10% as Black or African American, 0.42% as Native American, 0.12% as Asian, and 0.56% as mixed race. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 0.71% of the population.
The population of Desloge has predominantly consisted of white residents, with a small percentage of residents identifying as Black or African American, Native American, Asian, or mixed race. The city has seen slight fluctuations in its population over the years but has remained relatively stable. However, despite the demographic changes that have occurred over time, Desloge has maintained its small-town charm and sense of community, making it a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.
Description
Joseph Desloge was descended from one of Missouri's pioneer families. Firmin Desloge, Sr., a native of France, became a citizen of Missouri in 1828. He established a trading post in Washington County where he exchanged merchandise for lead and furs. Firmin Desloge, Jr., was born in 1843. He was engaged in the lead mining business, and in 1873 he established the Desloge Lead Company in St. Francois County, Missouri. Joseph Desloge was chairman of the board of Minerva Oil Company and Killark Electric Manufacturing Company and president of Louisiana Manufacturing Company and Atlas Manufacturing Company. He donated 2,400 acres of land in Reynolds County, Missouri, which became known as Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. He was responsible for helping in the restoration of the Holy Family Church in Cahokia, Old St. Ferdinand's Church in Florissant, and the Old Cathedral in St. Louis. He also served on the board of trustees for the Missouri Historical Society.
Collection includes letter of J. Russel to Thomas Howard, 1812; papers of Desloge Lead Company, 1884-1901; broadside titled "Sale of Crow Indian Lands, at Crow Agency, Montana," October 20, 1927; New Year's greeting card of Maison de Bernard, 4378 Lindell Boulevard, 1924-1925, which includes a sketch of the house; letters and photographs concerning the purchasing of antiques by the Desloge family; personal and professional letters to Desloge, 1940-1949, concerning St. Louis benevolent societies; correspondence regarding the Cahokia 250th anniversary association celebration, 1949; clippings regarding the Holy Family Church in Cahokia, 1949; drawings and itemized bills of development of the Jefferson Barracks Park, 1950-1959; and reports of the St. Louis County Historic Park Association. Also includes transcriptions of letters of the Desloge family, 1815-1856. Many of the letters were written by the Desloge family in France to Firmin Desloge in Potosi, Missouri. (Includes Firmin Desloge's will and the inventory of his estate.) The correspondence between Firmin Desloge and Ferdinand and Francis Rozier relates to business matters. Also includes letters concerning the action in the French Revolution. The original letters are in the possession of the Desloge family and were translated and transcribed by Josephine C. Cobb in 1931. She also included genealogical information on the Hord, Desloge, Rozier, and McIlvaine families in the first volume of the letters. Collection also contains Christmas cards, brochures on the mining industry, debut lists for St. Louis, 1936 and 1939; nineteenth-century letters and papers of the Howard and Desloge families; French World War I identity papers of Joseph Desloge, May 14, 1917; typescript biography of Joseph Desloge; portfolio of German World War I prints by Eisele: "Aus Meiner Sturnzeit beim Sturnbatl.2" and flier from the Friends of German Democracy, New York, "Warum ist Amerika in den Krieg gezogen"; legal contracts concerning the building and endowment of the Firmin Desloge Hospital, 1930-1932; items relating to the Farrar family; letters of Father Pierre-Jean DeSmet to Francis LePere, 1864-1873; European travel diaries of Eliza and Ethel Riddle, 1906. Ms. Riddle was a psychologist at John Burroughs School. She rented a "log cabin" on the grounds of Vouzier from Joseph Desloge and these volumes were found later on the grounds.
Typed inventory of the contents of Box 4 within box.
4 boxes; 3 volumes
Cite as: Joseph Desloge Collection, Missouri Historical Society Archives, St. Louis.
Note: Information for this story was taken from an April 24, 1987, and April 28, 1993, editions of the Daily Journal.
Indian fighters and trailblazers were first on the scene. They were romantic young men traveling 60 miles round trip for weddings in Ste. Genevieve. They traveled new paths to hurry civilization.
They were followed by the farmer, his land surrounded by forest and often separated by great distances from others.
Then came the miners, the mine bosses and the timber bosses. The first were men living in slab houses clearing the forests for homes. Later came the company men and the businessmen who arrived to service the rapidly growing town.
Names like One Town, Two Town, Three Town, Slab Town and Desloge Town would soon be combined to form one city named for the founder of the mine which provided the life blood of the community.
Other communities surrounding these would include Leadville, Cantwell, Highley and St. Francois. Most of these also would later be absorbed by the city of Desloge.
It was the good water and the surface lead that first attracted Americans to the area surrounding and including Desloge.
The Osage also knew the importance of the good water found in Flat River and in Big River and were prepared to fight for it.
All the land in and around Desloge in those early years was covered with timber with the exception of the old Stone House, on old Highway 8, and another place northeast of Desloge known as Abe Herod�s farm, located near the mouth of where Flat River Creek flows into Big River.
The Americans would form small groups in Ste. Genevieve and come to the Herod Farm. They would drive the Indians across what is now Desloge to the Old Stone House where the Americans would camp for several days. The Indians would regroup and drive the Americans back to Ste. Genevieve. And so, the fighting back and forth continued for several years.
The first settlement in the area of the North County School District was made in 1792 when several Americans started the Old Tyler (John Van Tyler) or the Big River grain mill. In 1796, other families came to Big River and joined the first settlers. Soon a considerable settlement was formed.
In order to take their grain to Big River Mill, a road was built from Ste. Genevieve to the mill possibly traveling the way of Route C and Route K, out of Ste. Genevieve County. The people of Farmington knew of no other way to get their grain to the mill than to take the Plank Road from Farmington to Ste. Genevieve and then travel from Ste. Genevieve to Big River Mill, a 60-mile round trip.
One day, a man, his name now lost in history, watched the sun as he was making the trip and decided there must be a shorter route. He left Farmington and began blazing a trail toward Big River and found the shorter route. The people of Farmington found this route was only 12 miles. Many people believe this trail was later followed by Hillsboro Road.
In 1810, a county road ran from the old Tyler Mill through Desloge to Iron Mountain. Later a few settlements were made through what is now Desloge. Gradually they increased until about 1887 when they were located all around what is now Desloge.
To the east was the Frank Doss farm and to the northeast, the F.E. Wells place. Both men cleared their farms and the brick for the house on Doss� home was made on the farm. North was the Orton farm and west of the Orton place was the Jim Reader place, later know as the George Gibson place.
Another of the early homes was the Bill Spradling place, later known as the Jasper Smart place. On this was the widow Bannister�s cabin, a short distance from where Goff�s Cash and Carry Store was located (where the VFW now stands).
On the south where the Catholic Church was (Country Lane and Walnut) was the old Peter Shannon place.
Desloge is built on the Booshie place. Booshie was a miner and the place was called the Miner Joe Diggins or the Mine-a-Joe tract.
The streets making up Parkside, Waller, Ravencrest, White Oak, and Trailwood are all part of the original Desloge. It was called in those days One Town because of the Number 1 shaft that Joe Booshie sank there. Later it was also called Desloge Town.
Joe Booshie sank Number 1 shaft some time before Firman Desloge bought the land where the present city stands. When Mr. Desloge took charge sometime after the fire in 1886 which damaged the Desloge Mill, Bill Odgers cleared from around Number 1 shaft and cut a drift to where old Number 1 was later sunk.
After this Thomas Moore took charge of the clearing and was wood boss for the Desloge Company. He ran a saw mill for the company for some time. He cleared off a little field for raising corn.
From Mr. Moore�s corn field the men cleared eastward toward where the railroad tracks are today. The town on the west side of the tracks was called Slab Town because the men lived in slab houses along the branch south of the Desloge works as they cleared the land for houses.
Mr. Meadows was the boss for clearing Desloge Town.
All of the land west of the tracks was owned by the Desloge Lead Company was called Desloge. The east side was mostly owned by the National Lead Company and was called Leadville St. Joe also owned some land on the east side.
By 1887, the land on the east side of the tracks was cleared and Mr. D.M. Fleming built the first house on the corner of Lincoln and Oak Street.
This house was moved two or three years later to Main Street (Desloge Drive) and was replaced in 1892 with a small dry goods store owned by Goodman. This building burned and was rebuilt by Calvert. It was rented to W.T. Newman for a general merchandise. It burned two to three years later and was replaced with the Citizens Bank.
The first lumber yard was built on the same lot where the city hall currently stands. F.L. Tetley of Bonne Terre built and established a lumber business under the name of Tetley Lumber company. His son, Dick Tetley, was the manager. Later it was called the Lead Belt Lumber Company under a new management. The ownership and management were both changed when The Miners Lumber Company later bought it out. In 1917, a fire destroyed the yard and it was replaced. It burned again on Aug. 23, 1979, and was rebuilt, then in 2004, the city purchased the building and remodeled it into the current city hall.
In 1908, when miners were working for $1.60 per day and then only three days a week, a newspaper was founded in Desloge by Mr. Abernathy. He was out of money and out of work and had a wife to support.
His printing assets consisted of a small model Armory press which he obtained from his last employer. He met a politician who was a believer in advertising and gave Abernathy $200.
Abernathy ordered equipment from the type foundry to go with the Armory press, a small foot power Pearl jobber and a few cases of type. When it arrived he had no money to pay the freight.
He took a dozen blank receipts and soon collected enough annual subscriptions to pay the freight. There were eight men of Desloge who helped him put his presses in operation.
The type foundry was paid and other equipment installed and the editor had a little bank account. The Desloge Sun was located on the north side of Oak Street between Desloge Drive and Lincoln across from where The Watering Hole is located.
Some time later Abernathy sold out to C.E. Abshier and in about 1913 to W. L. Bouchard.
The Desloge Sun was later moved to Flat River and was located on West Main Community Drive. On June 30, 1925 it was merged with the Lead Belt News.
The City of Desloge has seen many businesses come and go. Hotels have been located across the street from the VFW Building on Oak Street, on Lincoln Street and across from city hall where the post office now stands. At that time the building was a three-story building. Desloge once even hosted a Drummers� Convention.
The VFW building was once a company store where miners bought their supplies. There were many other grocery or mercantiles, including a Krogers and an A.G.
There was a Studebaker dealership, and a Ford dealership was on the southeast corner of Desloge Drive and Oak.
There were drug stores, doctor and dentist offices, a photography shop, restaurant, pool hall, barber shop, real estate office, justice of the peace office, furniture store, hardware store and a bakery. A blacksmith, dairy and livery stable and later a taxi all were located in the city.
A company hospital was located on Fir Street.
For entertainment you could go to the opera house and later to the movie where a kid could spend a dime and a Sunday afternoon reliving the days where heroes wore whiter hats and rode white horses. A baseball field with a grandstand capable of seating 300 people was located where Wetterau used to be and is now used by US Tool, and a popular picnicking place was where residents now shop at Auto Zone, Dollar Tree and USA Drug.
As with all towns, the first fire department was a horse and buggy affair. The volunteer firemen in Desloge had two horse-drawn buggies. One they kept behind the blacksmith�s shop on Desloge Drive and the other on Monroe Street. The first firehouse was located behind the public library that is now a parking area.
Churches abounded in Desloge reinforcing the strong religious ties of the community. The town could boast of most of the Protestant denominations, plus a Catholic Church on the corner of Walnut and Country Lane and a Greek Orthodox on Parkside, both destroyed in the 1958 tornado, and a Russian Orthodox, which is now the Nativity of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church.
Things conspicuously absent from the city were saloons and taverns. Land which was owned by the mining companies had certain restrictions on them, including selling liquor, having more than a certain amount of gasoline above ground and operating a bawdy house.
The part of Desloge, which was once Highley Heights, however, was a land grant and did not restrict liquor sales, so it did permit the operation of Highly Saloon. The foundation for the saloon is behind the billboard by Hocker Oil on Desloge Drive.
The city was incorporated in 1941 and the first meeting of the board of alderman was held on March 7.
The Depression years hit the mining area of Desloge just as every other part of the country. History always revels good from the bad, however, and despite the hardships on numerous families, the town benefited from the WPA Works Project administration program initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Active participation in the program resulted in most of the sidewalks on Parkside, Waller, Country Lane, Ravencrest, White Oak and Trailwood . The project was also responsible for building the rock walls surrounding the high school on Chestnut Street, Central elementary and what was once Cantwell school. These rock walls are now gone. The WPA built the swimming pool and two bandstands, one in the city park and the other near the railroad tracks on Lincoln Street.
If the depression can be blamed for a slumping economy, the most serious decline of the business section began when St. Joe moved out in 1968 and shut down in the Desloge area
Quick to turn a serious problem into a positive solution, the city found itself in the unique position of being one of the few cities in the area with unincorporated land surrounding it.
The city incorporated with Cantwell in March of 1966 and the in June of 1980 Highley Heights was incorporated.
The agricultural land surrounding Desloge and the area incorporated were quickly put to use
Unprecedented gains in home construction during the 1970s enabled Desloge to solidity its reputation as one of the prime residential areas in St. Francois County.
Subdivisions with names like Country Lane Estates, Westgate, Ravencrest and Town and Country Acres began in the 70s and are expanding at a rapid rate today.
During the 1990s Desloge began collecting a sales tax and since has been putting it to good use on city streets and trash pickup. Other services available include library, parks and fire and police protection.
Hello
What is a Passkey?
Imagine signing into your account as easily as unlocking your phone—no more worrying about remembering or typing a password. A passkey is a secure digital key that uses the safety features in your device to keep your account protected. It’s designed to be both simple to use and highly secure.
Ready to experience a simpler, safer sign-in? Click the button above to create your passkey now.