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Rolla, MO

Frequently asked questions

Rolla, MO

Rolla is a city in, and the county seat of, Phelps County, Missouri, United States. Its population in the 2020 United States Census was 19,943. It is approximately midway between St. Louis and Springfield along I-44. Its micropolitan statistical area consists of Phelps County, Missouri.

It is the home of the Missouri University of Science and Technology, well known for its many engineering departments and computer science departments. The headquarters of the Mark Twain National Forest is in Rolla. The city is also within the Ozark Highlands American Viticultural Area, with vineyards first established by Italian immigrants to the area.

The first European-American settlers in Phelps County arrived in the early 19th century, working as farmers and iron workers along the local rivers, such as the Meramec, the Gasconade, and the Little Piney. In 1842, John Webber built the first house in what became the City of Rolla. Nine years later, railroad contractor Edmund Ward Bishop, considered to be the founder of Rolla, settled in the area. The state officially established Rolla as a town in 1858.

Three stories account for how Rolla was named. One story, widely regarded as a folk legend, and acknowledged as such by the Phelps County Historical Society, arises from the competition between Rolla and neighboring Dillon, Missouri, to be designated the county seat. When Rolla was made the county seat in 1861, the residents of Dillon, having lost a round, were allowed to choose the name of the new city and named it Rolla, after a good-for-nothing hunting dog.

Another story came from a citizens' meeting about naming the town. Webber was said to prefer the name Hardscrabble (which was used to describe the soils in the region) and Bishop pushed for the name Phelps Center. George Coppedge, representing new settlers from North Carolina, wanted to name the community after Raleigh. Bishop broke the three-way tie by agreeing with Coppedge as long as the name was spelled properly for the region, Rolla.

But the one story that has some first-hand evidence to back it up was that it was named after Rolla Rose of St. Louis. He and others traveled to the area in the 1840s on a hunting trip. He carved his name on a tree so that they would not get lost. His widow, Adeline Rose, related this story in the St. Louis Globe newspaper on July 19, 1903.

With numerous settlers from the South, many residents of Rolla leaned toward the Confederacy during the American Civil War; however, the town was taken by Union forces in June 1861. They built two minor forts — Fort Wyman and Fort Dette — during their occupation. Rolla was also the location of Camp Glover and Camp Davies. From 1863 to 1865, Rolla was the regimental headquarters of the 5th Missouri State Militia.

For most of its history, Rolla has served as a transportation and trading center. In 1860, it became the western terminus of the first-constructed leg of St. Louis–San Francisco Railway, colloquially known as the "Frisco Line". Today, the BNSF Railway directly runs through the town.

Rolla was also a regular stop along U.S. Route 66, as it is almost located exactly halfway between the larger cities of St. Louis and Springfield. Today, Interstate 44, U.S. Route 63, and Route 72 all run through Rolla.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.85 square miles (30.69 km2), of which 11.83 square miles (30.64 km2) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km2) is water. Running through the city is the dividing line that separates the vast Missouri watershed (via the Little Piney and the Gasconade) from the substantially smaller Meremec watershed (via the Bourbeuse).

The city places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. For those seeking healthcare services, Phelps Health stands as a reliable medical institution, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care. Anytime Fitness, TanFitness 24/7, and Planet Fitness provide excellent facilities for exercise and personal training. For yoga enthusiasts, Wisteria Hot Yoga provides a serene environment for practice. Outdoor lovers can enjoy the scenic trails and recreational facilities at Schuman Park Lake and Ber Juan Park.

Top sites in Rolla, MO include Rolla Lions Club Den and Park, Ozark Actors Theatre, The Zone, and Mark Twain National Forest.
 

Population: 20,322 (2022). Elevation: 1,099 ft (335 m). Area: 12.15 sq mi (31.47 km2). ZIP codes: 65401, 65402, 65409. Area code 573.

FAQs

What is Rolla, MO known for?

Nestled in the south central Ozarks Highland region, the City of Rolla is home to Missouri University of Science and Technology, Missouri’s premier technological research university, and boasts a history that predates the Civil War. The appeal of Rolla and the region to visitors, though, lies in its recreational opportunities. Outdoor attractions abound with numerous springs, forested hills, and rivers.

Why is Rolla, MO called Rolla?

George Coppedge, representing new settlers from North Carolina, wanted to name the community after Raleigh. Bishop broke the three-way tie by agreeing with Coppedge as long as the name was spelled properly for the region, Rolla. But the one story that has some first-hand evidence to back it up was that it was named after Rolla Rose of St. Louis. He and others traveled to the area in the 1840s on a hunting trip. He carved his name on a tree so that they would not get lost. His widow, Adeline Rose, related this story in the St. Louis Globe newspaper on July 19, 1903.

Is Rolla, MO a good place to live?

Rolla is in Phelps County. Living in Rolla offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Rolla, there are a lot of parks. Many young professionals live in Rolla and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Rolla are above average.

Sources

City of Rolla

Wikipedia

Niche

Rolla Lions Club Den and Park

Ozark Actors Theatre

The Zone

Mark Twain National Forest

Phelps Health

Anytime Fitness

TanFitness 24/7

Planet Fitness

Wisteria Hot Yoga

Schuman Park Lake

Ber Juan Park

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