A
mountain range in the four-state area of southwest
Missouri, northwest
Arkansas, and eastern
Kansas and
Oklahoma; also the geographical area where this range is located. It is defined by gently-rolling hills and ridges, deep forests (usually named memorially for
Mark Twain, famed Missouri
author), caves, and sparkling streams. Cities include
Springfield and
Branson.
The Ozarks, like many areas of the United States, has a rich cultural heritage. It has been the home to hillbillies and Baldknobbers, and fought over by the Union and the Confederacy during the Civil War.