Joplin, Missouri - Lead Capital of the World

MISSOURI LEGENDS

Joplin - Lead Mining Capital

<<Previous 1 2 Next >>

Greetings From Joplin Postcard

Greetings From Joplin, Missouri postcard.

Mining country continues as you near Webb City and Joplin, where you’ll notice piles of chat and old mine tailings in the area.

Webb City - The Mine Owner's Town

Webb City, now principally a suburb of Joplin, was once a large corn and wheat farm belonging to a man named John C. Webb. When Webb discovered lead in his corn field in 1873, he took on a partner and began to mine. However, the mine continually filled with water and Webb, discouraged, sold his interest to an experienced miner two years later.

Webb City Mine, vintage postcard.

Moving in another direction, Webb platted the town of Webb City in July, 1875 when miners began to flood the area. Soon mines surrounded the town and between the years of 1894 and 1904, they produced 23 million dollars in lead and zinc, though they wouldn’t reach their peak until 1918. Mining continued in the area until after World War II.

While most of the miners made their homes in nearby Joplin, filled with gambling halls, saloons, and brothels, the mine owners made their homes in prosperous Webb City. Victorian architecture still abounds throughout the town as you travel Route 66. While in Webb City, check out the thirty foot oil painting on the inside of the Webb City Bank. The painting depicts 100 years of the city’s history.

Two more art pieces can also be seen at the southern end of Main Street – the Kneeling Miner and the Praying Hands, a statue that stands 32 feet high and weighs over 100 tons. The Main Street Music Theatre continues to feature live music in a renovated nostalgic theatre building.

Before you know it, you have reached Joplin, Missouri, the self-touted lead mining capital of the world.

Joplin - The Miner's Town

Webb City Music Theatre

Webb City Music Theatre, courtesy Exit Here

The first settler in the Joplin area was the Reverend Harris G. Joplin in 1839. The minister held church services in his home for other area pioneers long before the city of Joplin was ever formed. Before the Civil War, lead was discovered in the Joplin Creek Valley but mining operations were interrupted by the war.

In 1870, a large strike occurred which brought many miners to the area and numerous mining camps sprang up. Soon, a man named John C. Cox filed a town site plan on the east side of the valley which was quickly populated by many businesses. In 1873, the city was incorporated. Nearby Carthage resident, Patrick Murphy filed another town plan on the west side of the valley, calling it Murphysburg. Before long, a fierce rivalry sprang up between the two towns, but before it could get out of hand, the Missouri State General Assembly combined the municipalities in 1873.

Continued Next Page

Free eNewsletter

Our eNewsletter features articles on the Old West, travel destinations, ghostly legends, and subscriber only specials from our Rocky Mountain General Store. Sent directly to your inbox, grab a cup of coffee and travel the historic paths of the American West. Sign up today!

Webb City Praying Hands

This sculpture in Webb City was created by artist Jack Dawson, stands 32 feet high, and weighs 110 tons.

<<Previous 1 2 Next >>

To Kansas 66

Return to Route 66

To Carthage

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Route 66 Bumper Stickers - Show the world your enthusiasm and support of Route 66 with our new Route 66 Bumper Stickers!