The Archive

Stories from Jasper County

Legends, landmarks, outlaws, and the people who shaped Southwest Missouri. Pick a town or a topic, or just start reading.

A Great Way to Learn Joplin's History

Local History

Calling All Jasper County Residents & Business Owners: The Treasure Hunt

Dive into historic stories, solve the clues that lead to legendary local landmarks, and race to claim the ultimate prize.

Events

10,000 Followers, the Podcast & the 2026 Webb City Historic Treasure Hunt

Thank you all for 10 thousand followers! More information about the Jasper County Tall Tales Podcast and the 2026 Webb City Historic Treasure Hunt.

Announcements

Best Jasper County Missouri Artifacts

Artifacts

Mickey Mantle Had a Hotel in Joplin?

People

Webb City's Route 66 Movie Theater Turns 80

Come celebrate the Route 66 Movie Theater's 80th anniversary: old films, candy, history, and more.

Events

Exploring the Jasper County TB Hospital Grounds

After finding an old photo of the Jasper County TB Hospital, we noticed some buildings off to the side. After getting permission to explore, we fou…

Landmarks

Carthage's Historic Boots Court Motel

Landmarks

Bonnie & Clyde's Joplin Vacation Disaster

Crime & Outlaws

Growing Up in Webb City, by Susie Benson Crutcher

A short story of what it was like to grow up in Webb City in the 50s and 60s, written by Susie Benson Crutcher and animated by Jasper County Tall T…

Community Stories

Wilder's Blast of 1959

Crime & Outlaws

Webb City, Then & Now

Then & Now

Joplin's Connor Hotel: History & the Tragic End

Landmarks

The House of Lords

Landmarks

The Mysterious Spook Light

Legends & Folklore

Webb City's (Failed) Robbery of 1958

Crime & Outlaws

The Tipton Ford Tragedy

Tragedies

Bonnie & Clyde's Oronogo Bank Robbery

Crime & Outlaws

Crystal Cave

Landmarks

Hatten Park & Webb City College History

Landmarks

Where'd the Oronogo Vault Go? With Jeff Hill

Crime & Outlaws

The Coyne Hatten Case

Crime & Outlaws

Joplin Footage From 1916?!

Local History

The History of Webb City's Last Standing Movie Theater

Landmarks

Episode 1: Lakeside Park, Missouri's Forgotten Theme Park

Landmarks

Episode 2: The Lee Flournoy Shooting of Jealousy

Crime & Outlaws