About Northwoods

NORTHWOODS—EXCERPTS FROM HISTORY

Did you know that Northwoods has a rich history and that the place where you now reside might once have been an Indian campsite?  The history of Northwoods is one to delight the hearts of any child (and many parents) that live here today. While we aren’t historians, we do know that our land was once a popular Indian camp ground—partially because of its geographical location and natural advantages of shade, shelter, drinking water, observation cliffs, etc. At one time seven (7) natural springs could be found bubbling out of the ground—hence the infamous “Baden Creek” that runs through our City today.

The Indians had business here, too. The Superintendent of Indian affairs, Territorial Governor and famous American Explorer, William Clark, at one time resided here in Northwoods.  Many councils were held in the area and treaties were concluded with the Shawnees and Pottawattomies. We are told that a Trading Post flourished in the Nelson-Roland area.

The land was, for many years, held by three (3) large estate owners. The “Nelson Home” was located in the vicinity of Alberici and Colonial and was the first to give way to progress. The “Brennan Estate”, built in the vicinity of Melba and Pasadena, was the second to give way to subdivision development. The third mansion (with a lookout tower and servants’ house) was demolished in 1960. This house, known as ​“Minoma” was situated between Hazen and Donald. This building was built in 1856 by Jefferson Kennerly Clark, son of General William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This 10-room mansion had 18 inch brick walls and was built on 500 acres of land, which the younger Clark inherited, from his famous father. Great efforts were expended to retain this building as a historical shrine, but the process of restoring and repairing it proved to be much too costly, so, it too, met the fate of the wrecking ball.

The features that made good Indian Camping grounds also made good Boy Scout tramping grounds. The Boy Scouts established a summer camp here and even built a spring-fed concrete swimming pool at Winchester and Crestland.

The City of Northwoods is comprised of 330 acres. Sub-dividing of the area dates back to 1923 with no development until 1938 when the Olive Street Terrace Realty Company set up headquarters here. War interrupted normal growth which held the  community initially to only 200 to 300 homes. When building resumed, the city mushroomed to its present size of over 1400 families. Northwoods was incorporated as a fourth Class City in 1940. Northwoods continues to thrive while history continues to be made in the same area where Indian campfires once burned.

 NORTHWOODS — GOVERNMENT

Known as the “City of Trees”, Northwoods boasts of having hundreds of mature oaks trees and residents who are very proud of our tree lined streets and all brick bungalow style homes. Our local government is progressive. It represents an Open Door Policy — “Town Hall” concept of Democracy. With the enactment of the 1968 open housing law, Northwoods experienced a change in its residential ethnic composition, which is also now reflected in the composition of elected officials and staff.

Northwoods government is facilitated through Missouri State Statute.  Eight residents are elected to the Board of Aldermen to serve 4 Wards, and one Mayor and one Tax Collector are elected citywide.  All city officials are elected for two-year terms.  The city appoints a City Administrator who serves as the chief administrative officer of the city and over-sees the day to day operations of the city. A Police Chief is appointed to manage operations of police officers to keep our residents and vendors safe.  Other professional and technical staff are appointed, contracted or employed in various positions and departments.

Want to Start a Business in Northwoods?

• Northwoods is zoned primarily residential
• Business/Retail Space is available in North Oaks and selected locations along Natural Bridge Rd. within the city limits (See map for city boundary)
• All businesses must apply for a business license; present a formal business start up request to the Northwoods Board of Aldermen; and have the Northwoods building inspector and Northeast Fire Dept. inspector perform a “commercial code inspection” PRIOR to occupying a business space. 
• The Northwoods Board of Aldermen meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month unless they are on recess as noted on the events calendar listed on this website.