A Short, But Interesting History of Joplin

Joplin, Missouri, at one time the lead and zinc mining capital of the world, was first settled by a Methodist minister the Reverend Harris G. Joplin in 1839.  Rev. Joplin held church services in his house for other area pioneers prior to the city of Joplin ever being established. Before the Civil War, lead was found in the Joplin Creek Valley; but, mining operations were interrupted by the war. Real development didn't happen until after the Civil War.In 1870, a very large lead strike occurred which brought a rush of miners to the vicinity and various mining camps sprang up. Soon, one John C. Cox filed a town site plan. The area was quickly occupied by a variety of brand-new businesses. 

With the large increase of miners, Joplin ended up being a wild town, filled with saloons, dancing, gambling facilities, and brothels-- so much so, that news papers referred to the city as existing in the middle of a "Reign of Terror." The riches of the mining fields likewise drew investors and speculators and a need for a banking organization was apparent. With the inflow of wealth numerous businesses and residences sprang up around the valley.While Joplin was initially put on the map by lead, it was zinc, often referred to as "jack," that really founded the town. With the railroads traveling through the location, Joplin was on the verge of significant growth. What started as a simple mining town was quickly filled with smelters, mines, large houses, thriving business, and the ever present saloons. 

In 1897, soaring ore prices and continued active demand produced large earnings for mines in the Joplin District, and the following year was among the most prosperous in the history of zinc mining. These earnings drew in the attention of rich Eastern investors and in 1899, a group of Boston capitalists formed a corporation they called American Zinc, Lead, and Smelting Company. American Zinc, as it was commonly known, turned into one of the significant players in the Tri-State Mining District.

By the turn of the century Joplin was quickly becoming the center of the mining activity for the Tri-State Mining District, which included Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. By this time, the city boasted more than 26,000 people. Construction centered around Main Street, with numerous bars, hotels, and great houses nearby. Trolley and railway made Joplin the center of southwest Missouri and as the center of the Tri-state district.  It quickly ended up being the lead and zinc capital of the world. Lead, and specifically zinc, produced and would sustain Joplin's economy for more than seven decades.

During World War I, the mines grew supplying mineral requirements for the war effort. However, when the war was over in 1918, the mining market declined as a result of the low cost of ore and the discovery richer ore pockets in Oklahoma. By 1920, its population had likewise declined from the previous decade, but not significantly-- losing about 7%.

In 1933, the city ended up being the short-term residence of none other than the infamous outlaws, Bonnie and Clyde. Spending numerous weeks in Joplin, plying their burglary trade at numerous local businesses|. When tipped off by a neighbor, the Joplin Police Department attempted to capture the two at their hideout, located at 34th Street and Oak Ridge Drive.  However, the two got away after killing Newton County Constable John Wesley Harryman and Joplin Police Detective Harry McGinnis. Today, this historical house, called the Joplin Hideout, has actually has actually been historically restored and embellished in 1930's era decor. It can now be leased by visitors by the night, weekend or by the week.

After World War II, the majority of the mines were closed, and the population growth leveled off; however, this ended up being the time of the most comprehensive travel along Route 66, as Americans discovered themselves with more free time than ever before. 

Unfortunately, in the 1960's and 1970's, nearly 40 acres of the city's downtown were torn down in the name of progress. Some of these included many of the great architectural gems of the past.  However, many historical views still exist such as the Newman Mercantile Store building|, a landmark since 1910, and now called home to Joplin's City Hall.  The Frisco Depot, that has actually been transformed to apartments, as well as the Union Depot, and the Fox Theater. 

On May 22, 2011, the city was struck by a terrible tornado,  killing a minimum of 158 people, injured 1,150 others and caused damages of $2.8 Billion. It was the most devastating tornado in the US since 1947, the seventh most devastating overall on record, and the costliest single tornado in U.S. History. 

Today, Joplin is called home to about 50,000 people. The rebuilding effort is almost complete.  The town continues to grow and thrive in the Ozarks of Missouri.