Maxville, Missouri facts for kids

Maxville was a small community located in Jasper County, Missouri, in the United States. It was once found along the famous U.S. Route 66. Maxville was about two miles (3 km) east of Carthage, Missouri. Today, it is considered a "former town."

What is a Former Town?

A former town is a place that used to be a community with people living there. It might have had homes, stores, or other buildings. Over time, people might move away, or the town might become part of a bigger city. Maxville is an example of a place that was once a small community but is no longer a separate town.

Maxville and Route 66

Maxville was located on U.S. Route 66. This road is very famous in American history. It was one of the first major highways in the United States. Route 66 connected Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California. It was often called "The Main Street of America" or "The Mother Road."

Why Was Route 66 Important?

Route 66 was very important for several reasons:

• Travel: It made it easier for people to travel across the country.
• Economy: Many small towns like Maxville grew up along the road. They had gas stations, diners, and motels for travelers.
• History: It played a big role in American culture, especially during the 1930s and 1940s. Many people used it to move west, looking for new opportunities.

Route 66 in Missouri

Missouri was one of the eight states that Route 66 passed through. The road stretched for about 300 miles (480 km) across Missouri. It connected cities like St. Louis and Springfield. Small towns along the route, including Maxville, became important stops for travelers.

Maxville's Location

Maxville was situated in Jasper County, Missouri. This county is in the southwestern part of Missouri. The area is known for its rich history, especially related to mining.

Jasper County's History

Jasper County was formed in 1841. It was named after Sergeant William Jasper, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. The county seat is Carthage, which was close to Maxville.

Mining in Jasper County

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Jasper County became famous for lead and zinc mining. This industry brought many people to the area. It helped towns like Joplin and Carthage grow. Maxville, being nearby, would have been part of this busy region.

Why Did Maxville Change?

Many small towns along Route 66, including Maxville, changed over time.

• New Highways: In the 1950s and 1960s, new interstate highways were built. These roads were faster and bypassed many small towns.
• Less Traffic: When traffic moved to the new interstates, businesses in towns like Maxville saw fewer customers.
• Population Shifts: People often moved to larger cities for work or other reasons.

These changes meant that many small communities like Maxville became less active. Some became "former towns" or were absorbed into larger nearby cities.

Maxville Today

Today, Maxville is no longer a separate town. It is part of the larger Joplin, Missouri Metropolitan Area. This means it is considered part of the area around the city of Joplin. While the town itself may not exist as it once did, its history is still connected to the story of Route 66 and the development of Missouri.