Newton County, Missouri
Bonnie & Clyde Garage Apartment
First Battle of Newtonia Historic District
George Washington Carver National Monument
Jolly Mill
Lentz-Carter Merchandise Store
Neosho Colored School
Neosho Commercial Historic District
Neosho Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase)
Neosho High School
Neosho Wholesale Grocery Company
Ritchey, Mathew H., House
Second Baptist Church
Second Battle of Newtonia Site
20th Century Wars Memorial
Abbott Cave
American Legion Post 431 Veterans Memorial
Bennett's Barber Shop
Birthplace of George Washington Carver
Bonnie & Clyde Garage Apartment
Confederate Capitol of Missouri
Downtown Neosho Historic District
Emma Frantz Millinery
Featherstun-Brady Drug Store
First Battle of Newtonia
Founding of Neosho
George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver National Monument
George Washington Carver's Birthplace
George Washington Carver's Thoughts
Haas Building
Haas Warehouse Building
Heaton Building
Herman Jaeger
James S. Scott
McGannon Mercantile Company
Mitchell - Porter Building
Moses Carver Family Cemetery
Newton County World War II Memorial
Rocketdyne
Secession Convention at Neosho
Second Battle of Newtonia
Site of First School George Washington Carver Attended
Special Moments in the Woods
The Battles of Newtonia Commemoration
The Moses Carver Farm
The Persimmon Tree
Thomas Hart Benton
Three State Corner
Veterans Memorial
What an Orphan Chooses to Forget - and Remember
Williams' Spring
In the mid-1800s, Newton County gained prominence as part of the frontier border between the United States and Native American territories. The county played a significant role in the infamous Trail of Tears, with many native tribes being forcibly removed from their ancestral lands and relocated westward. The Cherokee came to pass through Newton County on their journey to present-day Oklahoma, leaving a lasting impact on the region's history.
The Civil War also left a significant mark on Newton County. It witnessed several major battles, including the Battle of Newtonia in 1862 and the Battle of Carthage in 1861. Both Confederate and Union forces clashed in these engagements, leaving extensive damage and impacting the lives of local residents. Newton County became a vital supply route for Confederate troops and a site of sporadic guerrilla warfare throughout the war.
After the Civil War, Newton County experienced a period of rebuilding and growth. The county's economy thrived on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, with the arrival of the railroad further promoting commercial development. The city of Joplin, located in Newton County, became a major mining hub, contributing immensely to the county's prosperity. Today, Newton County continues to evolve, blending its historical heritage with modern advancements, offering its residents and visitors a unique glimpse into Missouri's past.
Brief timeline of the history of Newton County, Missouri:
- 1838 - Newton County established by the Missouri General Assembly
- 1839 - First county court held in the home of William Drennan
- 1845 - County seat relocated to Granby
- 1861 - Civil War begins, and Newton County becomes a battleground
- 1862 - Battle of Newtonia fought in the county
- 1887 - Joplin becomes the new county seat
- 1897 - Carthage becomes the new county seat
- 1929 - Bonnie and Clyde shootout occurs near Dexfield Park
- 1967 - Missouri Southern State College (now University) opens in Joplin
- 2011 - Joplin hit by a devastating EF5 tornado
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Newton County, Missouri.