Murphysburg research guide
Local history starts with an address.
From one house record, follow the people, architecture, roads, and public memory that connect Murphysburg to Joplin's larger story.
Finding your way in
Begin with a name, a place, or a story.
Use the people directory when you know who you are looking for, start with places when you have an address or landmark, or open the complete story archive to browse every published article.
Not sure where to begin? Choose a subject collection below and follow the links between people and places as you read.
Subject collections
Six ways to read the district.
These collections connect individual records to the larger themes that shaped Murphysburg and Joplin.
Buildings and streets
Read the physical district.
- 01Historic HomesOpen the house records for owners, builders, photographs, streetscapes, and preservation notes.
- 02ArchitectureLearn the house forms, materials, details, and craftsmanship found throughout the district.
- 03Historic MarkersRead the public markers that connect individual sites to the larger neighborhood story.
People and public life
Meet the people. Follow the road.
- 04Women of MurphysburgMeet the business owners, educators, civic leaders, neighbors, and preservationists in the record.
- 05VeteransFollow stories of military service, remembrance, family experience, and civic memory.
- 06Route 66See how regional travel, the Jefferson Highway, commerce, and the Mother Road meet local history.
Go see it
Take the history outside.
Use the walking routes and public markers to connect the research to the streetscape. Murphysburg is a living neighborhood; enjoy it from public sidewalks and respect private property.