The History of Pleasant Hill
In 1828, Pleasant Hill saw the arrival of the first settlers to the area and all of Cass County, then called Van Buren County. Records were filed in 1844 making Pleasant Hill a village with about 40 inhabitants. Old Town existed along No. 7 Highway from the cemetery to Maple Lane.
As you come into Pleasant Hill from the north on No. 7 Highway, you will find at 1710 the old Henley home used as local headquarters for the Union during the destruction of Pleasant Hill under Order No. 11.
A mural by Tom Lea depicting a confederate family's return home after Order No. 11 may be seen in the lobby of the Post Office at 124 S. Lake.
Just down the way is the Pleasant Hill Cemetery where a marker of Old Town stands. Within the cemetery is also the mass graves of Federals discovered only recenly by researchers. A marker was placed with full ceremony September 21, 1986, to honor these men.
Old Town was the site of commercial Pleasant Hill until 1865. With the coming of the railroad (click here for .avi movie of steam train), business picked up enormously. Established firms of Old Town moved south to the current business district engulfing the community of Wyoming. ( For a birds eye view of the town in 1869 click here) Even houses were picked up and moved to the new location. The current train station built in 1903 replaces the Pacific Union Depot built in 1866.
Pleasant Hill has many old buildings now being restored to their original look. One building that hasn't needed restoration is the Pleasant Hill Historical Society's museum. The 1904 stone front was constructed from the three story tower of the Gamble mansion. Mrs. Sallie Gamble, the widow of ex-governor Hamilton R. Gamble, built the mansion in 1866. The store front was built using the stones, arched windows and door of the tower.
For more stories and legends of Pleasant Hill, ask the area merchants. Pleasant Hill is full of history.
Along with all the antique and speciality shops located in the historical buildings there is much more to be enjoyed by everyone.
A lovely city park located north of the business district has tennis courts and picnic facilities. For your spring and summer pleasure there is a beautiful golf course and swimming pool. The municipal pool has just under gone a major renovation and remains a popular recreation spot for young and old alike. Plan a summer evening at the Depot Park, perhaps listening to music from the bandstand. During the Fall Fest and Homecoming Festivities visit pumpkin patches and apple orchards with your family in rural Pleasant Hill. Experience the warmth of Christmases past with us.
For local business information and shop space availability, contact Chamber of Commerce, 987-2595.
[Pleasant Hill]