The history of West Plains can be traced back to 1832, when settler Josiah Howell (after whom Howell County is named) created the first settlement in the region known as Howell Valley. West Plains was so named because the settlement was on a prairie in a westerly direction from the nearest town, Thomasville.[7]
The location of West Plains led to nearly constant conflict due to the proximity to what was then the border between the Union and Confederacy. West Plains was largely burned to the ground, and Howell County as a whole was devastated. No major battles occurred in West Plains or Howell County, but much of the devastation came from constant guerrilla warfare.[9]
Confederate Brigadier General James Haggin McBride gave residents an ultimatum to either join the Confederate army or to flee the area. An overwhelming majority of Howell County residents chose to flee, and over 90% of the population had fled by the time the war was over.[10] Many, however, also chose to fight for the Confederacy, as McBride promised to protect his soldiers' property and loved ones. Men who spoke out against the Confederacy were arrested, as martial law had been declared by McBride.
South Carolina native, and West Plains resident, William Monks, was a scout for the "North" (Union army) and recounted his tales of the Civil War in his 1907 book "A History of Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas." In that memoir, Monks recounts many depredations that occurred during the war and how the Confederates referred to those faithful to the Union as "lopeared Dutch" (many Missourians who were "Union men" were German).
20th century
In 1903, African Americans were driven out of West Plains under threat of violence.[11]
The Great Depression era
As was the case with many other locations, the Great Depression hit West Plains in the 1930s. Citizens had little knowledge of what was going on with the national scene, except for what Neathery says in his book, "every place was a boom town, [but] in some places things were going bust as well." The first bank to fail in West Plains was the Farmers Savings Bank in West Plains circa 1926, and the lack of the present-day Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation meant that some people initially lost whatever wealth was deposited.
West Plains Dance Hall explosion
On April 13, 1928,[12] for reasons still unknown, a violent explosion occurred in downtown West Plains. About 60 people had gathered in the Bond Dance Hall, which was on the second floor of a building on East Main Street. The explosion was reported to be felt for miles, even in Pomona, which is approximately ten miles from West Plains. Windows were shattered throughout the block, and cars were also warped on the street. The explosion also damaged the nearby Howell County Courthouse so badly that it was vacated and left until late 1933, when it was demolished by the Civil Works Administration.[13] Thirty-seven people were killed in the explosion, and 22 people were injured. Twenty of those killed were never positively identified, but buried in a mass grave at Oak Lawn Cemetery in the southeast part of town. They are memorialized by the Rock of Ages monument, erected on October 6, 1929.[14] The explosion has also been remembered in a folk song recorded 30 years later.[15]
The cause of the explosion is still a topic of controversy nearly a century after the blast. Numerous causes for the explosion have been offered, but a definitive story has never been proven to be true. The most widely accepted theory is that the explosion somehow originated from leaking gasoline in a garage owned by J. W. Wiser, which happened to be on the floor below. Because Wiser was at the garage at the time, some have speculated that the blast was intentionally caused by Wiser as a suicide attempt, which his wife reportedly refused to acknowledge. In addition, the late West Plains native Robert Neathery explained in his 1994 book, West Plains As I Knew It, that a truck containing dynamite parked in the garage may have been the cause, indirectly part of a crime in which someone shot Wiser and set a fire to cover up the crime, and the dynamite exploded.[16]
The event is fictionalized in the short novel The Maid's Version by Daniel Woodrell, which is about a similar dance hall explosion in the fictional town of West Table.[17]
West Plains Badgers
In 1936, West Plains gained its own Minor League Baseball team named the West Plains Badgers within the Northeast Arkansas League. They would move the same year to Caruthersville, Missouri where they became the Caruthersville Pilots. In 1940, they would move to Batesville, Arkansas, where they were known as the Batesville Pilots. The team disbanded in 1941.
After the Depression
In 1954, following Brown v. Board of Education, city leaders voted unanimously to desegregate the school system. The Lincoln School, a one-room school for African-Americans closed down, and its students were transferred elsewhere. The building itself was given to the city. A local couple, Crockett and Tonya Oaks III, bought the building in 2023 and restored it, partnering with the Missouri Historical Society and Missouri History Museum and commissioning art from local artist Heather Legler and Nigerian muralist Dr. Bolaji Ogunwo.[18]
On the evening of April 2, 1982, a long-track F4 tornado struck the West Plains area, beginning in Ozark County and ending near what was the airport at the time. Many homes and businesses were significantly damaged or leveled by the tornado, which killed three and injured at least 28 as it hit the West Plains Country Club and nearby homes, as well as businesses located on U.S. Route 63.[19][20]
The downtown area of West Plains, namely Court Square, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on July 17, 2003.[21] The Downtown Revitalization Economic Assistance for Missouri (DREAM) Act also opened up funding for renovations and improvements for certain downtown buildings.
West Plains is characterized by four distinct seasons and is located near the northern border of a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), as defined by the Köppen climate classification system; as such, West Plains tends to be exceptionally humid in the late summer. On average, there are 44.6 days with highs over 90 °F (32 °C), 3.3 with highs over 100 °F (38 °C), 11.8 days where the temperature does not rise above freezing, and 1.3 with lows below 0 °F (−18 °C).
Climate data for West Plains, Missouri (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1948–present)
The West Plains Micropolitan Statistical Area consists of Howell County.
2020 census
The 2020 United States census[27] counted 12,184 people, 4,811 households, and 2,577 families in West Plains. The population density was 916.1 inhabitants per square mile (353.7/km2). There were 5,566 housing units at an average density of 418.5 per square mile (161.6/km2). The racial makeup was 89.94% (10,958) white, 1.08% (131) black or African-American, 0.97% (118) Native American or Alaska Native, 0.95% (116) Asian, 0.06% (7) Pacific Islander, 1.06% (129) from other races, and 5.95% (725) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 1.2% (143) of the population.
Of the 4,811 households, 25.1% had children under the age of 18; 36.4% were married couples living together; 31.5% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 41.2% consisted of individuals and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.5 and the average family size was 3.4.
24.9% of the population was under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.2 years. For every 100 females, the population had 86.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 90.8 males.
The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey[28] estimates show that the median household income was $37,154 (with a margin of error of +/- $7,901) and the median family income was $43,601 (+/- $6,275). Males had a median income of $32,201 (+/- $2,747) versus $20,800 (+/- $6,027) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $26,497 (+/- $4,712). Approximately, 23.9% of families and 32.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 47.5% of those under the age of 18 and 16.9% of those ages 65 or over.
2010 census
As of the census[29] of 2010, there were 11,986 people, 5,001 households, and 3,012 families residing in the city. The population density was 900.5 inhabitants per square mile (347.7/km2). There were 5,509 housing units at an average density of 413.9 per square mile (159.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.04% White, 0.85% Black or African American, 0.63% Native American, 0.85% Asian, 0.05% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 0.76% from other races, and 1.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.21% of the population.
There were 5,001 households, of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.0% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.8% were non-families. 34.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.93.
The median age in the city was 36.7 years. 24.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 22.1% were from 45 to 64; and 18.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.8% male and 54.2% female.
2000 census
As of the census[5] of 2000, there were 10,866 people, 4,518 households, and 2,909 families residing in the city. The population density was 879.0 inhabitants per square mile (339.4/km2). There were 5,072 housing units at an average density of 410.3 per square mile (158.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 95.72% White, 0.73% African American, 0.96% Native American, 0.71% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.52% from other races, and 1.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.65% of the population.
There were 4,518 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 19.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.0 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $24,122, and the median income for a family was $30,369. Males had a median income of $24,705 versus $17,312 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,019. About 15.1% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.2% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over.
Government
West Plains municipal government is based on the home rule charter system. The city council consists of four council members and the mayor, who presides over each meeting. Council members are elected by the city to four-year terms with no term limits.[30]
The current mayor of West Plains is Michael "Mike" Topliff, who was previously the mayor pro-tem. Topliff took the place of Jack Pahlmann, who retired alongside former City Administrator Tom Stehn in 2021.
Current city council members are Mayor Pro Tem Jessica Nease, Councilmember Greg Collins, Councilmember Johnny Murrell and Councilmember John Niesen.
Sam Anselm was appointed in 2021 to serve as the city administrator and runs the day-to-day operations of the city, which consists of over 200 employees.
In addition, some parts of the immediate area surrounding West Plains are covered by rural schools. After eighth grade, students from the rural schools merge into West Plains High School.
Fairview Elementary School (K-8)
Glenwood Elementary School (K-8)
Howell Valley Elementary School (K-8)
Junction Hill Elementary School (K-8)
Richards Elementary School (K-8)
Private education
Private education is also provided in the West Plains area, primarily by religious institutions. Private schools in the West Plains area include the following:
Crossroads Christian Academy
Ozarks Christian Academy
Higher education
There is one higher education institution located in West Plains. Missouri State University–West Plains is a community college spread across the center of town. The school has multiple degree programs but is primarily focused on its Associate of Arts degree program. The college has ca.1,800 students enrolled in part-time or full-time studies.[31]
Public library
West Plains has a lending library, the West Plains Public Library.[32]
Transportation
The West Plains area is served by U.S. Route 63, which runs along the western and southern edges of the city. U.S. 63 is a four-lane expressway from the 60/63 interchange near Cabool to Route ZZ in the extreme southeastern part of West Plains, then becomes a 2+1 road going southeast. Route 63's path through the city is often colloquially referred to as "the bypass", and is officially known as Jan Howard Expressway between Porter Wagoner Boulevard and Bill Virdon Boulevard. There are nine traffic lights along U.S. 63, with the newest one being at 5th street, near the hospital, which was added in 2022. One exit exists on U.S. 63 in the city near McFarland Street, which allows drivers to exit onto Business Route 63.
Business Route 63 consists of Porter Wagoner Boulevard, a majority of Main Street, and Bill Virdon Boulevard before it ends at an intersection with the eastern end of Jan Howard Expressway. There are four traffic lights along Business Route 63.
West Plains is also served by U.S. Route 160, which formerly ran southwest to northeast through the city; it has since been rerouted around the city concurrent with U.S. 63. It enters city limits near the Southern Hills business district, where it is named Preacher Roe Boulevard to its intersection with Main Street. Preacher Roe Boulevard, named after longtime West Plains resident and former baseball player Preacher Roe, has four lanes to its intersection with U.S. 63. The route follows U.S. 63 to Gibson Avenue, where it turns right crossing Porter Wagoner Boulevard and becoming Missouri Avenue, a left onto Concord Road, and a right onto Independence Dr, which becomes Joe Jones Boulevard, after which the route exits city limits and carries traffic on a two-lane route toward Alton.
In addition to U.S. Routes 63 and 160, West Plains is also served by Routes 14 and 17 and Routes K, CC, JJ, PP, ZZ, AB, and BB. Many traffic lights in the city were recently upgraded to have flashing-yellow arrow signals for left-turning intersections.
One railroad, dated to 1882, passes through town on a BNSF Railway line from Springfield, Missouri to Memphis, Tennessee.
Transit
The West Plains Transit System provides residents with a deviated fixed route transit service. Three buses are operated from 7:45am to 3:45pm Monday through Friday.[33]
West Plains is also served by the West Plains Regional Airport, which is located in nearby Pomona, about 10 miles north of the city on U.S. 63.
Parks
Carmichal Field (often misspelled "Carmichael," and located along Missouri Avenue behind the newly renovated MSU-WP Grizzly Lofts in the former International Shoe Factory, host to Mighty Mites Football)
Butler Children's Park
People's Park (site of the City Pool)
Soccer Fields (host of West Plains Soccer Association)
Galloway Park
Gene Jones Park (site of Tuk's Playground, a dog park named in honor of K-9 Officer Tuk, who died in 2019 of degenerative disease[34]
Media
West Plains is served by several media outlets. In addition to receiving most television stations coming from Springfield, one low-power television station emanates from West Plains, as do eight radio stations. The city also has one daily newspaper, the West Plains Daily Quill.
Newspaper
West Plains Daily Quill, formerly the West Plains Weekly Quill, founded in 1885.
Radio
West Plains is served by several radio stations. The Ozark Radio Network, which is owned by Robert Neathery's granddaughter and her husband, covers Dent, Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, Texas, and Wright counties as well as adjacent sections of Christian, Taney, and Webster counties in Missouri and Baxter, Fulton, Izard, Marion, Searcy, Sharp, and Stone counties as well as adjacent sections of Boone, Independence, Lawrence, and Randolph counties in Arkansas. The network comprises
KSPQ-93.9 FM (Q94, Jack FM) broadcasting Classic Rock
National Audio Theatre Festival, an annual conference and group of performances frequently held in West Plains, and including local participants. In past years, an audio play was written around the events in the city.
^"Howell County, Missouri". Community & Conflict: The Impact of the Civil War in the Ozarks. Springfield-Greene County Library District. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
^"Station: W Plains, MO". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved August 3, 2021.
