The Newman
Building
602 S Main, Joplin, MO 64801
From the Official Joplin History Guide available at the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau:
Be sure to get a copy of the Joplin History Guide and the Joplin Visitors Guide at the
Convention and Visitor’s Bureau inside the historic Newman Building at 602 S Main.
Digital copies can be found at www.visitjoplin.com.
While at the Newman building be sure to view the Thomas Hart Benton mural, “Joplin at the Turn of the Century.” This mural—the last signed by the legendary artist—was commissioned for Joplin’s centennial celebration in 1973. In addition, the mezzanine level of the Newman Building houses the Evolution of a Mural. This unique display reveals the process through which the mural was developed.
Watch a clip of Bob Phillips’ (KODE TV) interview with Thomas Hart Benton:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhekBSnQE-A
To learn more about Thomas Hart Benton, visit
Spiva Park
Is located just two blocks north of the Newman Building at 4th and Main. This intersection has played a very important role in the economic development of Joplin. The park contains Heritage Trails signs which tell the stories of some of Joplin’s well known locations that once occupied the intersection—The Connor Hotel, The Houseof Lords and the Keystone Hotel. Artifacts from these buildings can be seen at the Joplin History and Mineral Museum at 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave, Joplin, MO 64801.
A Leadership Joplin Class 2026 Project
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Various Joplin, MO photographs provided by 1281 Photography and Waypoint UAV.