Lake Spring is located south east of Rolla on HWY 72 and was a popular stop over due to natural springs which formed lakes and a strong flowing creek below a bluff area. Most of the area is fairly flat and during the War, a seminary for girls was located there. The Union and Confederates used the area during the War and there is not much left there today but a few farms and buildings, most post-war. A Union soldier by the name of David B. Arthur wrote a diary of his time at the camp at Lake Spring. He was there March 30 to April 2, 1863. The encampment was quite large with parade grounds, company streets for the tents, etc.. At least one night, a dance was held at the Seminary. If ill, the soldiers were brought to Rolla which was the closest hospital for the military. Not far away from the camp was a lake (later named Barnitz Lake) which after the War, was a favorite place for Confederate Reunions.