National Register Listing

Ritchey, Mathew H., House

a.k.a. "Mansion House," Belle Starr House

Mill St., Newtonia, MO
Local significance of the building:
Military; Exploration/settlement; Politics/government; Architecture; Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture houses residential buildings
The state of Missouri is home to several unique natural landmarks, including the Elephant Rocks State Park, which features giant granite boulders that resemble a herd of elephants, and the Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which has natural bridges, caves, and a castle ruin.
Missouri random facts
Newton County, Missouri, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to prehistoric times. The area was originally home to Native American tribes such as the Osage, Delaware, and Shawnee. European settlement began in the early 19th century with the establishment of trading posts and forts.

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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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