18-03-2025
Joplin Heritage Trail expands with two new historical markers
JOPLIN, Mo. — Two new additions are now on the Joplin Heritage Trail, providing more insight into the city's past.
A small crowd gathered today on East Persimmon Street, focusing specifically on the site of the Cox family estate.
Joplin Celebration Commission members unveiled a marker honoring the history of John C. Cox, who established Joplin's first homestead in 1838.
Despite some additions, Cox's original home is still on the property and is still in his family, one of Mr. Cox's descendants currently lives there.
'It's important, I think, for every community to know and preserve its history. And, to do this for John C. Cox and his family was just, wow. Could have knocked us over with a feather. It really, really means a lot,' said Michael Apfel, John C. Cox's great-great grandson.
'Come to the storyboard and learn about him. He was friends with Reverend Joplin, who he named the city for. We're talking about almost 30 years before the city became incorporated. And the things that he did from being the first postmaster, to surveyor, all kinds of jobs he had in the area as Jasper County itself was being developed. And, he put Joplin on the map,' said Patrick Tuttle, Joplin CVB director/ Joplin Celebrations Commission member.
The other marker recently added tells the story of 'The Unrest,' which details the tension between mining camps.
That makes the 8th and 9th markers on the trail, which are mainly in or near Landreth Park.
Funding comes from the Joplin tourism tax through the Visit Joplin budget, then allocated to the Celebration Commission.
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