Waynesville, city in and the county seat of Pulaski County, Missouri, United States
Waynesville is a small town in Pulaski County, Missouri, situated in an Ozark valley with early 20th century buildings scattered throughout. It developed around the historic Route 66, known as America's Main Street, and is defined by the presence of Roubidoux Spring, a major natural water source nearby.
Waynesville was founded in 1832 when G. W. Gibson built a home beside Roubidoux Spring, which later became the namesake for the town. The 1903 courthouse and the Old Stagecoach Stop, a building from the 1850s that served as a hospital during the Civil War, still stand today.
Waynesville takes its name from Roubidoux Spring, a significant water source nearby that locals have long called Spring City, central to the town's identity. The streets reflect a strong sense of community and neighborliness, where residents and visitors gather to explore local crafts, fresh goods, and homemade treats at markets.
The town is easily accessible by car with well-marked streets, and free walking maps from the Pulaski County Tourism Bureau help guide you through historic sites. Roubidoux Park offers trails and play areas, while visitors can find lodging at local motels or small inns providing basic but comfortable accommodations.
An old legend claims that anyone who dips their toes in Roubidoux Spring will want to return to the town, a story that has inspired generations of visitors. The Old Stagecoach Stop Museum is believed to be the oldest building on Route 66 in Missouri, offering a rare connection to both transportation history and the Civil War in one place.
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