Missouri family wins $214K for 600 acres in 1970 park eminent domain fight

In 1970, the Blackwell family’s nearly 600-acre Missouri farm was acquired through eminent domain during the creation of Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The government initially offered $73,000, but after a federal court battle, the family received $214,000. Darrel Blackwell later became a park ranger and longtime canoe rental concessioner.