What is the history of Carthage, Missouri?
Jasper County, MissouriJasper County was formed in 1841. Carthage was chosen as the county seat, the area cleared and the town platted in 1842. By the time of the American Civil War, there were over 1000 residents, a brick and stone courthouse and several businesses. The area was divided over slavery, and almost all of the blacks in the county were slaves. The Battle of Carthage (1861)Battle of Carthage, fought on July 5, 1861, was a clash between Union troops from St. Louis and Confederate troops led by the pro-Southern Missouri Governor Claiborne F. JacksonClaiborne Fox Jackson. The “Second Battle of Carthage” occurred in October 1863 when Union troops confronted Confederate troops north of town and forced them to return to Arkansas. The town experienced minor skirmishes and attacks throughout the war; Confederate guerillas burned most of the city (including the courthouse) in September 1864. The area grew rapidly following the Civil War. The Missouri Western Railroad arrived in 1872
