Joplin, Missouri – A Lead Mining Maven
As travelers journey along the historic Route 66, the transition from Webb City to Joplin, Missouri, is almost imperceptible, with Webb City having evolved into a de facto suburb of its larger neighbor. But Joplin, Missouri, is more than just a roadside stop; it’s a city steeped in history, forged in the fires of industry, and resilient in the face of adversity.
Joplin, Missouri, once proudly proclaimed itself the lead mining capital of the world, a title earned through decades of relentless extraction and economic prosperity. The story of this city begins in 1839 with the arrival of Reverend Harris G. Joplin, a man of the cloth who established a home and held church services for the scattered pioneers of the region. Little did he know that the land he settled upon held a wealth of mineral resources that would forever shape the destiny of the place that would bear his name.
Before the eruption of the Civil War, whispers of lead deposits in the Joplin Creek Valley began to circulate. Initial mining efforts were, however, abruptly halted by the outbreak of hostilities. The war years brought turmoil and disruption, but the promise of mineral wealth remained dormant beneath the surface, waiting to be unleashed.
The year 1870 marked a turning point for the region. A significant lead strike ignited a frenzy, drawing prospectors and miners from far and wide. Mining camps sprang up like mushrooms after a rain, transforming the landscape and heralding the birth of a new industrial era. Amidst this burgeoning activity, John C. Cox recognized the need for organized settlement and filed a townsite plan on the east side of the Joplin Creek Valley. Businesses quickly followed, solidifying the foundation of a community named in honor of the pioneering Reverend Joplin.
Almost simultaneously, Patrick Murphy, a resident of nearby Carthage, laid out another town plan on the west side of the valley, christening it Murphysburg. This parallel development sparked an intense rivalry between the two embryonic settlements. Competition for resources, residents, and recognition threatened to escalate into a destructive conflict. However, cooler heads prevailed, and the Missouri State General Assembly intervened, consolidating the two municipalities in 1873. This unification marked the official incorporation of the city of Joplin, Missouri. Today, Murphysburg survives as a historic residential district within Joplin, encompassing Sergeant Avenue from First Street to Seventh Street and Moffet Avenue from First Street to Fourth Street, a testament to the city’s complex and competitive origins.
The influx of miners transformed Joplin, Missouri, into a vibrant but often volatile boomtown. Saloons, dance halls, gambling dens, and brothels proliferated, catering to the desires of the predominantly male population. The press, reflecting the prevailing sentiment, characterized the era as a "Reign of Terror," a period of lawlessness and unchecked vice. Yet, amidst the chaos, the immense wealth generated by the mines attracted investors and speculators, creating a demand for financial institutions. Patrick Murphy, despite his earlier setback in the Murphysburg venture, seized this opportunity, establishing the Banking House of Patrick Murphy in 1875. His enterprise, housed in a two-story brick building on Main Street, proved to be a resounding success, underscoring the economic potential of the burgeoning city. By 1880, Joplin’s population had surged to over 7,000, a clear indication of its rapid growth and burgeoning importance.
While lead initially put Joplin, Missouri on the map, it was zinc, often referred to as "jack," that truly fueled the city’s dramatic expansion. The arrival of the railroads further accelerated Joplin’s growth, transforming it from a simple mining town into a bustling industrial center. Smelters, mines, grand homes, thriving businesses, and an ever-present array of saloons defined the cityscape. Among the numerous establishments catering to the miners’ thirst, the House of Lords stood out. This multi-story emporium offered a bar and restaurant on its ground floor, gambling on the second, and a brothel on the third, embodying the unbridled spirit of the era.
The late 1890s witnessed a surge in zinc prices and sustained demand, resulting in substantial profits for the mines in the Joplin District. The year 1898 proved to be one of the most prosperous in the history of zinc mining, attracting the attention of wealthy Eastern investors. In 1899, a group of Boston capitalists formed the American Zinc, Lead, and Smelting Company, commonly known as American Zinc. This corporation quickly became a dominant force in the Tri-State Mining District, encompassing Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
By the dawn of the 20th century, Joplin, Missouri, had firmly established itself as the epicenter of mining activity in the Tri-State Mining District. Its population had swelled to over 26,000, and construction boomed along Main Street, with bars, hotels, and opulent residences springing up in close proximity. Trolley and rail lines converged on Joplin, making it the hub of southwest Missouri. As the heart of the Tri-State district, Joplin rightfully claimed the title of the lead and zinc capital of the world. These two metals created and sustained Joplin’s economy for more than seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s identity and landscape.
During World War I, the mines of Joplin, Missouri, thrived, supplying vital mineral resources for the war effort. However, the post-war period brought a decline in the mining industry, driven by falling ore prices and the discovery of richer ore deposits in Oklahoma. By 1920, Joplin’s population had decreased by approximately 7%, a sign of the changing economic landscape.
In 1926, Route 66 snaked its way through Joplin, Missouri, following a path from Webb City along Range Line Road (US-71 Business Route) before weaving through the city along Zora St., Florida Ave., Utica St., Euclid Ave., Saint Louis Ave., and 7th St. (MO-66, BL-44). The iconic highway brought a new wave of commerce to Joplin, with service businesses sprouting up to cater to the needs of travelers.
In 1933, Joplin, Missouri, gained notoriety as a temporary hideout for the infamous outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. The duo spent several weeks in the city, engaging in robberies at local businesses. Acting on a tip from a neighbor, the Joplin Police Department attempted to apprehend the pair at their apartment located at 34th Street and Oak Ridge Drive. A shootout ensued, resulting in the deaths of Newton County Constable John Wesley Harryman and Joplin Police Detective Harry McGinnis. Bonnie and Clyde managed to escape, further cementing their place in American criminal folklore. Today, the "Joplin Hideout" has been restored and decorated in 1930s-era decor, offering visitors the opportunity to experience a tangible link to this turbulent chapter in the city’s history.
Following World War II, most of the mines in Joplin, Missouri, were closed, and population growth stagnated. However, this period also marked the peak of travel along Route 66, as Americans enjoyed increased leisure time and disposable income. Unfortunately, in the 1960s and 1970s, nearly 40 acres of Joplin’s downtown area were razed in the name of progress, resulting in the demolition of landmarks such as the Connor and Keystone Hotels, as well as several Route 66 icons.
Despite these losses, many historic structures remain in Joplin, Missouri, including the Newman Mercantile Store building, a landmark since 1910 and now home to Joplin’s City Hall; the Frisco Depot, a former Harvey House restaurant and railroad office building that has been converted into apartments; the Union Depot; and the Fox Theater. The site of the former House of Lords Saloon at 407 Main Street is now a small park featuring the "Lucky Miner" statue, a tribute to the city’s mining heritage.
Tragically, Joplin, Missouri, has been struck by severe tornadoes on two separate occasions. On May 6, 1971, a tornado caused one death, 50 injuries, and significant damage to homes and businesses. However, this was only a precursor to the devastating tornado that struck the city on May 22, 2011. This catastrophic event claimed the lives of at least 158 people, injured 1,150 others, and caused an estimated $2.8 billion in damages. It was the deadliest tornado in the U.S. since 1947, the seventh deadliest overall on record, and the costliest single tornado in U.S. history (as of 2012). The resilience and spirit of the people of Joplin, Missouri, in the face of such overwhelming devastation are truly remarkable.
Today, Joplin, Missouri, is home to approximately 50,000 people. The Joplin Museum Complex in Schifferdecker Park offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s rich past. The Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum showcases various historic artifacts, including a 1927 fire engine. The Tri-State Mineral Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of lead and zinc ore, as well as mining tools and equipment. The historic Dale’s Route 66 Barber Shop stands on the corner of Utica St. and Euclid Avenue, and numerous vintage signs can be seen along or near the old Mother Road, providing a tangible connection to the city’s past.
As you leave Joplin, Missouri, you’ll pass several vintage pubs along the short drive to the Kansas state line and Galena, Kansas, serving as a final reminder of the city’s enduring connection to Route 66 and its colorful history.