Audrain: Fire Brick History, Horse Culture and Nature

Audrain reveals itself through its historical themes and varied landscapes. The fire brick industry was the county’s leading economic sector for more than a century; at its peak, it employed more than 5,000 people. Mexico is another point of reference: the city is centrally located in Audrain County and is its oldest city.

History Between Industry and Horse Culture

The Fire Brick Museum preserves photographs, records, equipment and raw materials from the history of the fire brick industry in Audrain County. Alongside the economic figures, it highlights a range of artifacts from the industry. Another historical turning point came in 1856, when the North Missouri Railroad was routed through Audrain County. It boosted trade for Mexico as the county seat and for the surrounding area.

The Ross House Museum was visited in the early 1860s by then-Colonel Ulysses S. Grant. It houses the Cauthorn-Stribling Library, which is furnished like a library in a home dating from 1870 to 1900. The Missouri Saddlehorse Museum was established in 1970 to complement the Ross House and displays an extensive collection of equestrian memorabilia. Its grounds also include the grave marker of the Saddlebred stallion Rex McDonald (833).

The American Saddlebred Horse Museum explores another aspect of horse history: it houses the nation’s largest exhibit of memorabilia related to Tom Bass. Simmons’ Stable in Mexico dates from 1887. It is considered the oldest known building in the United States continuously devoted to housing and training champion American Saddlebred horses. These examples highlight different aspects—from memorabilia and equestrian sports to the distinctive history of a building.

School and church architecture are also part of the area’s history. Audrain Country School was built in 1903; its features include a slate blackboard, original school desks and books. Audrain Country Church was completed in 1889 and is an Akron-plan church. Their construction dates and distinct features can be considered side by side without conflating the two buildings.

Landscapes and Lakes Around Mexico

William Lowe Conservation Area covers 133 acres on the southern edge of Mexico. Teal Creek runs through the area and flows into Teal Lake. Trails wind through a 40-acre field of native grasses. This conservation area therefore offers both a look at its waterways and an open area with native vegetation. Teal Lake covers 80 acres and is maintained by the City of Mexico.

Mexico is also home to the 25-acre Lakeview Park Lake, located in Lakeview Park. The two lakes differ in size: Teal Lake covers 80 acres, while Lakeview Park Lake covers 25. Fishing opportunities for sunfish, catfish, crappie and largemouth bass are noted at Teal Lake. Overnight camping is available at Lakeview Park Lake. Only boats with electric motors are permitted on Lakeview Park Lake; only boats with electric motors are permitted on Teal Lake as well. If you plan to camp or use a boat, check the current conditions for each lake in advance.

When planning your trip, you can choose your focus based on what interests you most: industrial and horse history, historic school and church buildings, or the landscapes of William Lowe Conservation Area and the lakes. These places and bodies of water offer different points of interest, without suggesting a particular order for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Ozark County, Clay, Webster County, Scott County, Marion County, Barton County, Stoddard County.

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