History you can visit
Two Stone County towns, one easygoing history outing: begin at the museum in Crane, then continue to Galena and the James River.
The town’s history
Crane grew from a settlement called Hickory Grove into a railroad town. Missouri Pacific arrived in December 1904, and the new streets followed the tracks. Start with that story in Crane, then continue to Galena for a different chapter of Stone County life. [1]
According to the Stone County Museum’s account, B. F. Carney began circulating personal notes as money in 1933 to stimulate business during the Great Depression. The Carney dollar gives this railroad town an unusual financial footnote. [1]
In the early 1920s, Camp Yocum near Galena offered screened bungalows, fishing and swimming on the James River, with transport from the railroad depot. Later called Camp Blackstone, it is a glimpse of early resort life; the former camp is not an advertised stop on this outing. [2]
Places with a story
Begin with Stone County history and ask about Crane’s railroad years and the Carney-dollar story. [3]
Find it: 117 S. Main Street, Crane, MO 65633.
Plan your visit: Call 417-230-0800 to confirm opening days, admission and available exhibits.
After the museum, look along the town’s streets with its railroad beginnings in mind. The museum’s history explains why the new town was laid out parallel to the tracks. [1]
Find it: Main Street around the museum in Crane.
Plan your visit: Use public sidewalks and posted parking. This is a streetscape stop; no depot or roundhouse tour is included.
The historic bridge branches into a Y over the James River. Its unusual shape makes a memorable finish to the two-town outing. [4]
Find it: James River crossing just east of downtown Galena.
Plan your visit: Check with the city about parking and current pedestrian access. View only from permitted public areas; do not enter closed sections.
Build a short outing
The distance is a town-to-town estimate, not live routing. Check the museum schedule first and allow extra time for each stop.
Sources checked September 19, 2026. Follow operator links for current hours, admission and accessible entry. Historic descriptions do not guarantee interior access.