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

2026-08-14T02:41:01+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

A Missouri farming family has received $214,000 for nearly 600 acres of land taken by the federal government in 1970 to create the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The Blackwell family's farm, known as the Blackwell Tract, sat across from Pulltite along the Current River. The government initially offered $73,000, but the family took the case to federal court and won the higher amount. The story is unusual because Darrel Blackwell worked as a seasonal park ranger for the National Park Service from 1969 to 1972 while his father Wayne was fighting the same agency in court over the farm. Darrel later became a concessioner for the park. The family's attorney, Dorman Steelman, could not practice in federal court, so another lawyer from Cape Girardeau was brought in.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/in-1970-a-missouri-family-fought-the-government-over-nearly-600-acres-wanted-for-a-national-park-an-initial-73000-offer-became-a-214000-court-payout/articleshow/133222131.cms>

Tags: compensation, eminent domain, land acquisition, Missouri, National Park Service, Ozark
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Cite: https://indianopinion.org/missouri-family-wins-214k-for-600-acres-in-1970-park-eminent-domain-fight/#story-in-brief

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