In September 1871, Murphysburg was incorporated in Missouri and named for co-founder Patrick Murphy. At the time, Murphysburg was generally on the west side of Joplin Creek and Joplin City was on the east side of the creek. Although the two cities had a contentious relationship, they merged and incorporated in March 1873, under the name of Joplin.
This event was a way to have fun with history and learn about the rehabilitation and future use of four significant Murphysburg properties—the Olivia Apartments at 4th and Moffet, plus the Schifferdecker, Zelleken, and Rogers Houses near 4th and Sergeant.
Proceeds from ticket sales benefit the activities of HMP.
The event is in cooperation with Joplin Historical Neighborhoods, Inc.
Historic Murphysburg Preservation’s mission is to promote historic preservation throughout the Murphysburg Residential Historic District and the City of Joplin. We seek to preserve the integrity of the downtown residential community, educate visitors about our rich history, save limited natural resources, and instill community pride.
This premiere edition is the result of a collaboration between Post Art Library, Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc., (Hey, that’s us!) and Visit Joplin. The illustrations are by artist Martha Goldman.
Celebrating some of the women who have called Joplin home, Women Who Made Their Mark features activists, artists, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and pioneers who made significant contributions to our community and beyond:
- Henrietta Cosgrove
- Emily Newell Blair
- Melissa Fuell Cuther
- Ferne Wilder
- Dorothea B. Hoover
- Elizabeth C. Post
- Pauline Starke
- Lena Beal
- Olivia Bendelari
- Evelyn Milligan Jones
- Mary Curtis Warten
- Ernestine Carr
Although this book highlights only a dozen of the many exceptional women from Joplin history, we hope it encourages exploration of the impact women have had in our community.
Homes of Murphysburg!
Past events and Attractions
2019 Home For The Holidays...in Joplin
The Julius Fischer House
Step back in time for a glimpse into turn-of-the-century Joplin with a Holiday Homes Tour of nine private historic homes.
Architectural elements you can discover in Murphysburg
Elements of Architecture
The Murphysburg Historic District appears much as it did during the period of significance (1880-1965) and as a whole retains all aspects of integrity. One hundred twenty-six of the 153 (82%) primary resources are contributing to the District while three of the primary resources were previously listed in the National Register of Historic Places. These resources remain in their original locations within the neighborhood and just west of the downtown commercial center. The residential setting has streets lined with sidewalks, mature trees, and houses on widely-spaced lots, as it did when it was initially platted.
Commercial areas have developed to the south and east, but these do not compromise the integrity of the District. The District clearly communicates its associations with and feelings about the patterns of residential development and the breadth of architectural styles that shaped the community of Joplin from the late 1800s into the mid-twentieth century.
The majority of resources retain their original design, materials, and workmanship. The array of architectural styles represented by the original designs, including National Folk Forms, Queen Anne, and Revival Styles, remains intact throughout the District. The majority of the resources have their original form and materials, such as limestone foundations, wood siding, and wood windows.
There is always something to do in Joplin
Check out our areas attractions and events
Frequently asked questions: Applications, Forms & Guidelines
Membership
There are many great benefits to your Murphysburg Individual memberships start at only $15! You do not have to be a resident in the Murphysburg boundaries to join.
Looking for ways to get involved?
Sponsorship's
Learn how your Historic Murphysburg Preservation can help spread the word about your business. There are tons of great business sponsorship options to fit any size business. Sponsorships start at $50!
Volunteer
Murphysburg is always looking for volunteers to help during our special events. Sign up as a volunteer today! Email inquiries or ideas to murphysburg@gmail.com