Joplin and Aviation

History

Following the Wright brothers’ famous flight in December 1903, aviation became a popular and fascinating subject.

By the early 1910’s

Joplin had a grass landing field at Electric (now Schifferdecker) Park which became the site of many flight exhibitions. Thomas Webber, a WWI pilot, opened Joplin Aviation School in 1919. That same year the Hiland-O’Brien Airplane Company located at 3rd and Kentucky began manufacturing Curtiss airplanes. (The nearest airplane manufacturer outside of Joplin was in Chicago.) At the urging of J. J. Hiland, a 160-acre site west of 7th and Schifferdecker was purchased and developed into an airport which opened in 1927. In 1932, the city purchased 400 acres for the development of a new airport. This is the current site of the Joplin Regional Airport. (Sources: Gibbons, Charles. Angling in the Archives. Joplin: H. Lang Rogers, 1996.)

Be sure to visit the Freedom of Flight Museum at the Joplin airport

5501 Dennis Weaver Dr, Webb City, MO 64870

www.freedomofflightmuseum.org

Embark on a captivating journey

Through the skies at the Freedom of Flight Museum – where history takes flight and aviation enthusiasts are immersed in a world of soaring wonders. Located in Joplin, MO at the Regional Airport, our museum celebrates the evolution of flight with a collection that spans the ages, inviting visitors to explore the rich tapestry of the area’s aviation past and present

Enjoy an immersive, innovative program in these beautifully restored, historic homes!

Schifferdecker House

Zelleken House

Fun Facts

Joplin native, Robert “Bob” Cummings, who became a well-known actor was a flight enthusiast. He learned to fly while in high school and had his first solo flight in March 1927. When the Civil Aviation Administration created a rating of “flight instructor,” Bob Cummings was the first to apply and received Flight Instructor Certificate No. 1—the first in the nation.