National Register Listings in
Jasper County, Missouri

66 Drive-In Buchanan, Lucius P., House Carthage Courthouse Square Historic District Carthage South Historic District Cassill Place Historic District Cave Spring School and Cave Spring Cemetery Colonial Apartments Downtown Webb City Historic District Elks Club Lodge #501 Fifth and Main Historic District Fox Theater Gentry Apartments Inter-State Grocer Company Building Jasper County Courthouse Joplin and Wall Avenues Historic District Joplin Carnegie Library Joplin Connor Hotel Joplin Downtown Historic District Joplin Furniture Company Building Joplin Supply Company Joplin Union Depot Main and Eight Streets Historic District Middle West Hotel Murphysburg Historic District Newman Brothers Building Olivia Apartments Pennington Drug Company Phelps Country Estate Rains Brothers Building Ridgway Apartments Sarcoxie Public Square Historic District Scottish Rite Cathedral South Main Street Historic District St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad Building St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church and Rectory Webb, Elijah Thomas, House
The town of Bonne Terre, Missouri, has the largest underground lake in the United States. The Bonne Terre Mine was once one of the world's largest lead mines, but is now a popular scuba diving destination.
Missouri random facts
Jasper County, Missouri, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware, who utilized the land for hunting and gathering. European exploration began in the early 18th century, with French trappers and traders venturing into the region.

In the early 19th century, the United States acquired the land as part of the Louisiana Purchase and subsequent treaties with Native American tribes. Jasper County was officially established in 1841 and named after William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero. The county rapidly became an important transportation hub due to its location along the historic Santa Fe Trail and later, the Missouri Pacific Railroad.

Jasper County, like many regions in Missouri, played a significant role in the Civil War. The area witnessed several key battles and skirmishes, including the Battle of Carthage in July 1861. Union and Confederate forces fought for control over the region, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. Reconstruction following the war brought new economic opportunities, with the county's mineral resources such as lead, zinc, and coal being extensively mined.

Throughout the 20th century, Jasper County experienced significant growth and development. The discovery of vast mineral deposits led to the establishment of numerous mining operations, attracting workers and fueling economic prosperity. The county's infrastructure continued to expand with the construction of highways, bridges, and manufacturing facilities. The city of Joplin, which lies within Jasper County, became a major center for lead and zinc mining, contributing to the county's economic prominence.

Today, Jasper County remains an important industrial and commercial center in Missouri. It is known for its diverse economy, which includes manufacturing, healthcare, education, and tourism. The area's rich history is commemorated through numerous historical sites, museums, and monuments that offer insights into the county's past.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jasper County, Missouri.

  • 1841 - Jasper County was established as a county in Missouri.
  • 1855 - The city of Carthage was incorporated in Jasper County.
  • 1861-1865 - Jasper County was deeply affected by the American Civil War.
  • 1875 - A tornado struck Joplin, causing significant damage.
  • 1888 - The city of Joplin was incorporated in Jasper County.
  • 1933 - Prohibition ended in Jasper County.
  • 1943 - Precious metal ores and lead-zinc mining activities were prominent in the county.
  • 1993 - The Murphysburg Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2011 - The Joplin tornado, an EF5 tornado, struck the city and caused extensive destruction.