Within Missouri's borders exists an incomparable variety of natural and historical adventures. From the surreal grandeur of the nearly two- billion-year old elephant rocks to the haunting presence of controversial artist Thomas Hart Benton in the cluttered studio where he died at his easel, Missouri's diverse heritage is illustrated through its more than 75 state parks and historic sites. In this book, four writers and committed conservationists team up with photographers to capture the compelling history, beauty and recreational value of Missouri's unique state park system. Illustrated with over 200 full-colour, large-format photographs and written in a lively style, ""Exploring Missouri's Legacy"" offers an invitation to discover Missouri's spectacular variety of geology, ecology and culture. Housing more caves, springs and clear natural streams than any other state in the nation, Missouri also boasts some of the oldest rocks on the continent and some of the youngest land-forms. The first archaeologically undisputed contact of man and mastodon in the new world was found in Missouri. The state's small towns have remained peculiarly vibrant, producing some of the nation's leaders in war and politics, literature and the arts. That remarkable diversity is preserved and commemorated here. The book opens with an account of the evolution of the park system. Essays on each of the state parks and historic sites are arranged chronologically within each of the states six natural divisions.