Murphysburg is a national historic district that is a vibrant mixed-use community, blending a residential neighborhood with urban amenities and services. Be transported back in time to the Gilded Age as you walk the tree-lined streets of Joplin’s Historic Murphysburg District. This residential area, west of downtown, is where the founding fathers of Joplin built the stately homes which embodied their success. A variety of architectural styles are represented here, including Craftsman, Queen Anne, American Foursquare, and Eclectic. Historical markers are in front of many homes detailing their names and when they were built, making it easy for self-guided tours.
Throughout the years, there has been special events in the district which include home and garden tours. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015, the boundaries are generally between First and Seventh Streets encompassing Moffet and Sergeant Avenues and parts of Pearl and Byers Avenues, plus one notable house at 419 South Jackson Avenue.
The district boundaries are walking distance to places for play, cultural and arts districts, and entertainment venues, shops, restaurants, and multi-denominational places of worship.
Now in 2020, the Murphysburg National Register of Historic Places is roughly fifty-three-acre district. Whether you are a history buff getting your kicks on Route 66, or a connoisseur of architecture, you are sure to enjoy the Murphysburg Residential Historic District.
Our history: In 1992, the City of Joplin designated Sergeant Avenue from Second Street to Fourth Street as the “Murphysburg Residential Historic District.” At the request of homeowners in the adjacent neighborhoods, the City of Joplin expanded the historic district in 2004. The historic district encompassed Sergeant Avenue from First Street to Seventh Street and Moffet Avenue from First Street to Fourth Street.
Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc. was formed in 2005 for the purpose to implement charitable and educational activities that promote and stimulate historic awareness throughout the neighborhood. HMP, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c) (3) corporation governed by a volunteer board consisting of seven people. The organization is dedicated to the preservation of historic homes in Joplin’s only designated residential historic district. Past and present board members are personally and financially invested in historic preservation via historic home and business ownership. Their board members are involved in the City of Joplin Historic Preservation Commission, Missouri Preservation Board, Joplin History & Mineral Museum Board, Convention and Visitors Bureau Advisory Board and Ozark Gateway Association of Realtors.