In 1873, President Ulysses S. Grant began his second term of office. During that same year, the first pre-stamped penny postcards were issued and free mail delivery was offered to all urban communities with a population of 20,000.
Jules Verne finished his classic “Around the World in 80 Days.” The first Preakness Stakes horse race was run. Coors Brewing Company began making beer in Golden, Colorado. At the same time, our country was experiencing an economic panic and William “Boss” Tweed, who controlled Tammany Hall, the Democratic organization in New York, was convicted of more than 100 charges of fraud.
Added to those national historic events ... a small community in Southwest Missouri named Joplin was officially incorporated by the Legislature of Missouri as a city of the 4th Class.
Yes, on March 23, 1873, a modest but spirited mining community began slowly growing, inching forward one shovelful at a time as each day passed.
First lead, and then zinc mining became the symbol of our economy. Zinc mining was our foundation — quite literally the very base on which everything in Joplin was built. Joplin was blessed as all roads and rails ran to and through our city. Our community had a tremendous impact on the Tri-State Mining District. Joplin became the home of numerous associated industries that were tied to mining. It was the epicenter for the region’s commercial and retail activities. Nearby residents came to Joplin to be entertained and to drink, eat, bank and buy consumer goods and services. Joplin prospered and profited by being the center of commerce.
At the central hub, new businesses were established in Joplin. Businesses like Empire District Electric Co., Freeman and St. John’s hospitals, Joplin Junior College, Eagle-Picher and various trucking companies were products from our mining economy. These businesses still exist today and are some of the largest employers in the region.
We began as a mining community; however, much of our mining history has now vanished. Today very few signs are evident from our digging past. Only a few chat piles, the Benton Mural at City Hall, the miner in Spiva Park and the Everett J. Ritchie Mineral Wing remain as testimony to our mining heritage. In addition, we must deal with the current mining byproducts of subsidence and environmental issues as well.
Other losses have occurred, as we have also unfortunately lost thousands upon thousands of men who knew mining firsthand. Just as numbers of our brave World War II soldiers are quickly dwindling, our miners who toiled underground are leaving us just as rapidly. Both groups represent a proud, strong and determined body. And both of them were essential ingredients to our Allied victory.
We owe so much to those who came before us, and what better way to commemorate their deeds than through a celebration. We will be recognizing our city’s birthday at 2 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. We have much to be thankful for. Please join us in celebrating Joplin’s 135th birthday. Our city has progressed innumerably since 1873. A celebration is in order.
Brad Belk is the executive director of the Joplin Museum Complex.
Opinion
Guest columnist Brad Belk: Town grew shovelful at a time
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