Brief History of Joplin

Joplin, Missouri, has a rich history shaped by mining, industry, and resilience. The city is the 12th largest city in Missouri with a population of 53,095. Here’s an overview of its past:

Early Settlement & Founding

• The area that became Joplin was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage.
• European-American settlers arrived in the mid-19th century, and in 1839, the Reverend Harris G. Joplin, a Methodist minister, established a settlement in the area, which later took his name.

Mining Boom & Growth (Late 1800s)

• The discovery of lead and zinc in the 1870s led to a mining boom, bringing wealth and rapid population growth.
• Two rival mining camps, Joplin and Murphysburg, merged in 1873 to form the city of Joplin.
• The city became a major hub for lead and zinc mining, attracting workers and businesses.

Early 20th Century & Prohibition Era

• By the early 1900s, Joplin had a thriving downtown with theaters, hotels, and saloons.
• It was part of the famous Route 66 highway, bringing travelers and businesses.
• During the 1920s, outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde passed through Joplin, with a famous shootout occurring there in 1933.

Decline of Mining & Economic Shifts (Mid-1900s)

• The mining industry began to decline by the 1940s due to depletion of resources.
• The economy shifted toward manufacturing, retail, and transportation.

Joplin in the Modern Era

• In recent decades, Joplin has grown as a regional economic center, with healthcare, education, and business development playing key roles.
• On May 22, 2011, Joplin was devastated by an EF-5 tornado, one of the deadliest in U.S. history. The tornado destroyed thousands of buildings and killed 161 people.
• The community rebuilt with strong recovery efforts, modern infrastructure, and revitalization projects.

Famous People From Joplin

Robert Cummings, Star of films and television’s The Bob Cummings Show
Langston Hughes, Poet and writer
Hale Irwin, Professional golfer
Jamie McMurray, NASCAR driver
Darrell Porter, Professional baseball player
Dennis Weaver, Star of Gunsmoke and McCloud