The First Explorer in Southwest Missouri
Discover the story of Edmund Jennings, the first known explorer of Southwest Missouri, who ventured into the Ozark wilderness in the early 1800s. Learn about his time among Native American tribes, his return to Tennessee, and the origins of the “Country of the Six Bulls.” Explore vintage illustrations and historical insights into this legendary frontiersman and the untouched beauty of the Ozarks.
Houdini in Joplin
In May 1899, Joplin, Missouri, became the stage for a defining moment in the career of a young magician named Harry Houdini. The newly established Pavilion Theatre, a vaudeville performance tent set up at 5th and Joplin Streets by showman Loyd Brown, opened with an impressive lineup of performers. Among them was Houdini, who, for the first time, was officially billed as the “King of Handcuffs.”
Cole Circus's Historic Debut of Electric Lights in Joplin
In the late 19th century, a remarkable spectacle rolled into Joplin, Missouri—not with the usual parade of elephants and daring acrobats, but with a technological marvel that would transform the city forever. It was the Cole Circus, and its most dazzling attraction was not a performer but the wondrous glow of electric lights.
Joplin’s Enduring Fascination with Bears
Joplin has long held a unique fascination with bears, a history that dates back to the early 20th century when the city’s parks housed exotic animals. From escaped zoo bears to wrestling spectacles and legendary bear residents, Joplin’s relationship with these animals has been anything but ordinary. Bears have captured the imagination of Joplin residents for over a century, becoming an unforgettable part of the city’s folklore.