Missouri Travels and Day Trips

George Washington Carver National Historic Site, near Carthage MO
June 26th 2006

This trip involved research into Melissa Fuell Cuther, who was one of Blind Boone's singers and later wrote a book about him. She was a leader in Joplin's black community and was influential in getting the George Washington Carver site established.
We didn't find everything we wanted, but it was a very interesting trip. Below the pictures is a list of the scenic route we took going each way..

Foundation for tiny cabin where GWC was born
Foundation for tiny cabin where GWC was born
Statue of GWC as a boy
Statue of GWC as a boy
Close-up of statue showing wooded setting
Close-up of statue showing wooded setting.
Peaceful pond located on the site
Peaceful pond located on site.
Fish and turtle visible in pond
The pond is so clear one can see the fish and turtles.
Rail fence
Rail fence at house site in park..
 

Our Travel Route
The total trip was about 350 miles, but we had to detour for some research in Joplin. Here's a suggested trip:

  • MO-13 south to Osceola. Drive thru the square and see the historic old river town burned by Jayhawkers in 1861. Exit town to MO-82
  • MO-82 west to ElDorado Springs. En route, stop at the Sac-Osage confluence overlook. It's a small roadside park and contains a monument to the Missouri Confederate Brigade. El Dorado Springs has a park with bandstand and the actual spring - it doesn't taste too good. Carl's Gun Museum is also a point of interest. Take a short jog east on US-54 to MO-32.
  • MO-32 south/east goes into Stockton, but don't go that far. Instead, turn off on MO-97 south.
  • MO-97 south has some nice prairie/woods scenery. Follow it almost to Jerico Springs. When MO-97 turns left, you turn right on "C."
  • Take "C" a few miles to the junction with "F"
  • "F" South to US-160. They have to stop, you don't.
  • Continue straight south on US-160 to the north edge of Golden City. US-160 curves east, but you go straight into town on the local road. That brings you out on MO-37.
  • MO-37 goes all the way to Arkansas, but you'llget off early at MO-96.
  • MO-96 takes you to Carthage, which has a Victorian square, a Civil War battlefield & Museum, Precious Moments, and a row of impressive Victorian mansions on Grand Avenue. Take Grand Ave south to come out on MO-571, which leads you to US-71.
  • US-71 used to have two branches. When you cross I-44, this branch becomes MO-59. Continue south a few miles to "V".
  • Turn right on "V" until you see thte sign for the GWC site.
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