OLD BAGNELL FISH & STEAKHOUSE

In the late 1850's the village that gave Bagnell Dam its name was formed on
the banks of the Osage River. The population of the area grew steadily to over 3000 people by the time Bagnell Dam was being built in the late 1920's and early 30's. Many, many other workers and their families also camped or lived around the town of Bagnell during that time. Remains of an old gravel cleaning plant used to help build the dam still stand on the river bank just east of the Fish and Steakhouse.

Around the turn of the century Bagnell enjoyed the title of "The Railroad Tie Capital of the World" with tie yards located where the present campground is now located. Ties were floated down the Osage River or brought by wagon and then loaded on the Missouri Pacific Railroad, whose depot stood where the present swimming pool is located, and shipped across the nation. The old railroad bed still parallels Highway V. The bustling little town had several businesses including hotels, general store, garages, a lumberyard, cafe' and poultry house which was where the present restaurant stands. A ferry crossed the Osage River and connected Highway 54 to Bagnell. The ferry crossing is still visible from the lower side of the campground.

All was good until a devastating fire burned several businesses in 1931.
Another fire in 1932 further destroyed more of the town. The ferry crossing in Bagnell was being replaced by traffic choosing to travel across the newly completed Bagnell Dam. The population began to shift toward the new structure also. The flood of 1943 was almost the final blow to the town as it caused the move of the school to the present. School of the Osage Middle School location and the church to be moved closer to the newly re-routed Highway 54 location. With Bagnell's spirit still alive revival has been slow but sure with the addition of the campgrounds, the Fish and Steakhouse and the Old Bagnell Bed and Breakfast. We recently added a second story to the building next door to the restaurant. It is presently our home but when our family is raised its design would easily enable us to convert it into lodging units. We moved to Bagnell in 1996 after we purchased the property we had operated since 1994. We were then able to expand the restaurant and make necessary improvements in the campground with future plans to develop more and more of the history that made the town of Bagnell, as the locals say, "down several times but never for the count." The quaint and peaceful atmosphere and our love for the town made it an easy choice to live and raise our children. We hope you enjoy your visit to Bagnell and enjoy your experience with us. Come back and see us, stay with us if you have the time. We're always happy to see you!