One Man Moved This Entire Missouri Town And You've Got To See It
By Liz Oliver|Published June 14, 2017
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
Edgar Degas once said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” The truth in these words is evident in a small village outside of Carthage, Missouri. Red Oak II is the creation of Lowell Davis, an artist, born in the original Red Oak on Route 66. When he returned to his hometown as an adult, he saw many of the buildings forgotten and left to decay. In 1987, he decided to buy and transport the business and homes from Red Oak about 23 miles away to the farmland he purchased outside of Carthage.
When you visit Red Oak II prepare to be transported back in time when life was a bit simpler…
Davis, pictured here, is the mastermind behind Red Oak II. You will certainly run into him during a visit as he is always working on his favorite project, Red Oak II. He recently celebrated his 80th birthday but doesn't plan on slowing down yet!
Located off Route 66, Red Oak II is a popular stop for those traveling the Mother Road. It is also a great place to visit for those who love history, photography, nature, gardening, or art.
Many of old buildings from the original Red Oak have been restored to their former glory. The bright colors and art instillation only add to the original charm.
Red Oak II is also available for your wedding or family reunion. There are many places around town that can be rented for a gathering space. This old greenhouse is a great place to gather with friends and even has electricity now!
Fort Hooker is one of the buildings soon to be available for groups and events. Right now though, it's mainly appreciated by the horses Brisket and Belle.
On Saturdays, locals and visitors get together to play and enjoy old fashioned music at the Salem Country Church. If you're lucky it may even be pot-luck night!
Stop by the adorable and photogenic Red Oak II Cafe and Diner. While you currently can't grab a meal at the cafe or diner, plans are in the works to open the diner soon!
Be sure to take in all the art that is scattered across the town. Many of the pieces are recycled metal-work sculptures. This piece is aptly titled, "Plumber's Nightmare."
Red Oak II can be found at County Loop 122, Kafir Rd., Carthage. The town is always open to visitors, however many of the homes are privately owned so please respect the property.
Have you visited Red Oak II? What was your favorite part about this transported town? Let us know in the comments below!
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