The Ozark Mountain Range is bigger than you might think.

When people picture the Ozark Mountain Range, many think of a tight group of mountains where everyone knows each other. In truth, the Ozark Mountains cover 50,000 square miles. The mountain range runs through Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. I live in Missouri where we enjoy 33,000 square miles of Ozark Mountains.

I can’t tell you how many times my mom took me to see the Shepherd of the Hills play at the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theater and Homestead when I was a kid. I’m pretty sure we went every summer of my early childhood. It was one of her favorite books and consequently her favorite play. You can learn more about the theater here: The Shepherd of the Hills.

Our people are diverse. We have most races, creeds, and religions here. The Ozarks is home to all sorts of people. We have Europeans, Africans, Asians, Native Americans, South Americans, and Middle Easterners all right here along with their descendants. I’m afraid there’s only one me, though. The world couldn’t handle more than one of me.

I’ve considered moving to other areas of the country. Colorado and Wyoming have always fascinated me. I moved around quite a bit when I was younger. I had more addresses in a five year period than my parents had in their entire lives. You could say I was restless. While I’ve lived in different cities and rural locations throughout the region, I’ve never lived outside the Ozarks. I just don’t think I would be happy anywhere else. This is home.

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