Originally located on the shores of the White river at the current site of Shadowrock
Park, Forsyth was an important river town from the early 1800’s. Steamboats used
to come up river and drop supplies at the town’s docks, which were then transferred
to wagons or smaller boats for distribution in the surrounding areas. By the time
of the Civil War, Forsyth citizens primarily consisted of farmers due to the rich
river bottom soil.
Taney County was established in 1837, with Forsyth becoming the county seat in the
following year. The first county courthouse was built at the confluence of Swan
Creek and the White river. In 1855, a new, brick courthouse was built on the same
site.
During the Civil War, both Rebel and Federal Forces occupied the town. The town
was held in Rebel hands until 1861 when Union forces shelled the town and damaged
the courthouse. In 1863, Union forces abandoned the town, burning it behind them
rather than let it fall into Rebel hands. After the war, the courthouse was repaired.
It burned again in 1865 and in the process, destroyed most of the records. A new
courthouse was built in 1889.
In 1913 Powersite Dam was completed and behind it formed Lake Taneycomo. At that
point in time, the lake was thought to be the largest water storage facility in the
country that was designed for electric power generation.
In 1950, the entire town had to be moved to the bluffs overlooking the river. Bull
Shoals Lake, a result of the new Bull Shoals Dam , flooded the area. The new location
is where Forsyth now stands.
For more information on the history of Forsyth and surrounding area, please visit
the Forsyth Library or click here to go to the White River Valley Historical Society
web page.
