Follow Bonnie and Clyde’s Trail in Joplin, MO

On the surface, Joplin, MO, looks like any other Midwest city along the old Route 66. A closer look, however, reveals a vibrant town with plenty to do and a fascinating history including a tale of two cities and plenty of lead—in the form of both ore and bullets.

Joplin is a city of roughly 50,000 residents, located in a scenic valley on the outer edge of the Ozarks. The area had small-scale farming settlement and lead ore was discovered here prior to the Civil War. However, significant development didn’t start until after the war.

Joplin was founded as Joplin City in 1871. With the establishment of the city began a lawless period known locally as the “Reign of Terror.” 

The nearest sheriff’s office was 13 miles away in Carthage. That’s not far by today’s standards, but at the time, it was far enough that frontiersmen could wreak havoc without getting caught.

At the same time, another city called Murphysburg sprung up on the western side of the valley. Being so close to each other, the two cities decided to merge together into Union City—a move that was quickly found illegal. So, the cities split for a while before finally coming together (legally) as Joplin in 1873.