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Joplin, Missouri

A city defined by resilience, Joplin was built on lead and zinc mining wealth along Route 66, then devastated by a catastrophic EF5 tornado in 2011 that killed 158 people — the deadliest single tornado in America since 1947. The city's remarkable rebuilding became a national story of community strength.
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Founded 1871 | Population 51,000 | Peak 51,000 (2024) | County Jasper/Newton County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Joplin, Missouri

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1871 Founded: Joplin was established at the center of the Tri-State Mining District for lead and zinc.
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1903 Mining Peak: Joplin became the lead and zinc capital of the world, producing much of the nation's supply.
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1926 Route 66: Route 66 was established running through Joplin, bringing travelers and commerce through the city.
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1943 Bonnie & Clyde: Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow had a famous shootout with police at an apartment in Joplin.
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2011 EF5 Tornado: An EF5 tornado killed 158 people and destroyed one-third of Joplin — the deadliest U.S. tornado since 1947.
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Latest News in Joplin

Jan 1, 1970
Missouri High School Students Walk Out Protest Transgender Girl
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (March 7, 2016) — Tensions boiled over at a Missouri high school on Monday when dozens of students staged a …
Jan 1, 1970
Missouri Lawmakers Consider Bills Both Sides Gun Debate
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (March 3, 2016) – In the midst of a heated national conversation on firearms, Missouri’s lawmakers too…
Jan 1, 1970
Vicious Assault Missouri Couple Caught Surveillance Camera Video
Missouri (August 26, 2015) – A brutal attack on a local couple shook the community last week when chilling surveillance footage …
Jan 1, 1970
Missouri Woman Threatens Teenagers Handgun Video
ST. LOUIS, Missouri – Back in August 2015, a heated confrontation in a suburban neighborhood escalated into a frightening ordeal…

Complete Historical Timeline

1871 Industry
Founded
1903 Industry
Mining Peak
1926 Transport
Route 66
1943 Crime
Bonnie & Clyde
2011 Disaster
EF5 Tornado

Did You Know?

1
2011 EF5 tornado killed 158 — deadliest since 1947.
2
Route 66 passes through Joplin.
3
Was 'Lead and Zinc Capital.'.
4
Joplin is located in Jasper/Newton County, Missouri.
5
Joplin was founded in 1871.

Famous People from Joplin, Missouri

LH
Langston Hughes
Writer, Poet · Born Feb 1, 1901 · Died May 22, 1967 (age 66)
RC
Robert Cummings
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jun 9, 1910 · Died Dec 2, 1990 (age 80)
DW
Dennis Weaver
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Jun 4, 1924 · Died Feb 24, 2006 (age 81)
PS
Pauline Starke
Actor, Film Actor · Born Jan 10, 1901 · Died Feb 3, 1977 (age 76)
CP
Carl Pomerance
Mathematician, University Teacher · Born Nov 24, 1944 · Age 81

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