Burritt On the Mountain

What do you think when you hear “Burritt on the Mountain”? I hear it like a train conductor screams, “All Aboard!” Or, if you are a Missouri resident, you’d be with me by thinking of the Silver Dollar City exclamation, “Fire in the Hole!” Either way, Burritt on the Mountain was not what I was expecting.

My “Get Your Guide Pass” offered several attraction options to tempt my fancy. However, my impending flight did not allow me the time to explore most of the options, so I went—with no background knowledge—to Burritt on the Mountain.

The drive took approximately twenty miles and was filled with a few twists and turns. As I turned in to the entrance, I hoped for the best. The parking lot looked busy, so my hopes continued rising…and it turned out to be free (Happy Valentine’s Day).

The ticket counter provided me with a map of the place as well as an itinerary. Having an itinerary surprised me. I could watch rope making and knot tying, woodworking demos, spinning, and loom weaving. Ah, this place provided historical learning through public presentations. Great!

My first stop, though, took me to William Henry Burritt’s retirement home. William Henry Burritt studied and practiced homeopathic medicine. He married his first wife, Pearl, but she died at the age of 23 from surgery complications. His second wife, Josephine, thirteen years his elder, proposed to him and relocated to St. Louis.

During their marriage, Dr. Burritt worked for Banner Rubber Company and received 8 patents for pneumatic tires and a shoe upper. Eventually Josephine died, left him most of her wealth, and he returned to Huntsville.

Dr. Burritt’s first home burnt the day before he moved in, so he rebuilt the home almost exactly like the first. The homes formed an “X” to provide more natural light, great views, and cross ventilation. Insulation came in the form of locally harvested wheat straw (2200 bales of it), and the architectural style can best be described as a hodgepodge.

In addition to a new home, Dr. Burritt also gained a new wife, Alta. Less than six years later, they divorced, and goat farming became a favorite pastime. With no heirs, the mansion and acreage was gifted to Huntsville and became the city’s first museum.

Walking away from the home, I witnessed the beautiful scenic outlook for the property. I had no doubt why Dr. Burritt chose to live on this parcel of land .

With just under an hour left until I needed to return to the airport, I made a mad dash to all the historical demonstrations. I walked into furnished dwellings and listened to great storytelling. I’d have loved to spend ample time with each presentation, but time was the thing I didn’t have.