Webb City's park system includes six parks ranging in size from 1/3 to 100+ acres. Facilities include playgrounds, volleyball courts, picnic areas, tennis courts, soccer, baseball and softball fields, basketball courts, walking/biking trails, a riding arena, statuary, and a restored streetcar and track.

The parks host active volunteer-led soccer, baseball and softball programs, as well as the Chamber sponsored Farmers' Market. Two miles of the Frisco Greenway Trails, a county-owned walking and biking path, run through Webb City. In early September the annual Mining Days celebration is held featuring arts and crafts-concessions, fireworks and rides on an early 1900's restored trolley. Trolley rides are available by appointment for reunions, parties, and other special events for groups.

The city's library, built in 1914, is one of the few active Carnegie libraries in Missouri. Housed in an elegant stone building highlighting Webb City's mining heritage, the library provides traditional library services, a fine genealogy collection, 14 patron computers with Internet access, and over 84 learning programs for children from early childhood through high school. The library sponsors a weekly story time for pre-schoolers, a children's summer reading program, and a delivery service for homebound patrons. The local GED and English as a Second Language programs are conducted at the library. Construction on a $2,000,000 renovation and expansion of the library was completed last year providing additional space and continuing in the library's unique architectural style.

Art is an everyday experience in Webb City. Large murals by local artists are located at the high school, in Webb City Bank, and at the intersection of Main and Daugherty streets. The Praying Hands and Kneeling Miner sculptures dominate King Jack Park, while Nature's Balance graces Hatten Park.

Opportunities for entertainment abound in Webb City. The high school pool and tennis courts are open to the public during the summer. Athletes can tone up at a world-class tennis and fitness center, or at an accessible downtown workout center. Webb City boasts a miniature golf course and a lighted nine-hole executive golf course, and a new roller skating rink offers year round pleasure and exercise. Route 66 Theatre built in the early 1900's and recently restored, brought movies back to town. Interestingly, the stage has been restored to accommodate live performances and on occasion audiences will be treated to a combination of both live entertainment and a movie. Excellent amateur performances are featured in the new 1,019-seat high school Performing Arts Center.

Regional attractions include Precious Moments and George Washington Carver National Monument . Springfield, a little over an hour away, is home to Missouri 's most popular attraction, the Bass Pro Shop's Outdoor World. Branson, with its myriad of entertainment and shopping attractions, is about two hours away. Nearby rivers, streams and lakes are popular for water sports and activities.

The approximately 18 churches serving Webb City demonstrate a strong dedication to spiritual values and family life. The Ministerial Alliance coordinates an annual community Thanksgiving Service and Christmas baskets for the needy.

The following denominations are included:
. Assembly of God
. Baptist
. Bible
. Catholic
. Christian
. Christadelphian
. Church of God
. Full Gospel
. Independent Christian
. Methodist
. Nazarene
. Pentecostal
. Presbyterian
. Community of Christ

HISTORY

Destiny stepped in that bright sunny day in June 1873 when John C. Webb walked the half mile to his field to do some plowing. As the plow dug through the rich soil, a bright shiny rock surfaced with the turn of the dirt. As the sunlight bounced off the rock, it seemed to come alive in Webb's hand. He knew what he held in his hand. There had been quite a commotion to the south in Granby and Joplin , where lead had been discovered, but Webb wasn't sure he wanted to turn his farm over to the mining frenzy he'd heard about. He laid that rock aside for about a year, until the fall of 1874, when a man named Murrell talked Webb into digging a hole. Because of many complications with water filling the shaft, Murrell gave up and sold his share of the mine to W.A. Daugherty for $25.

A very smart young man named Grant Ashcraft stepped in with some ideas on how to control the water. Webb leased the land to Daugherty and Ashcraft, and within two days Ashcraft uncovered a 1,000 pound chunk of lead. That was the beginning of the Center Creek Mining Company, which eventually shipped more than $13 million worth of ore all over the world.

The word spread and miners moved into the area from around the world. The town of Webbville had begun. Within a few years, the city needed to incorporate to establish some law and order. The town was platted on December 15, 1875 with Webb reserving one block for a church and a school. On December 8, 1876, Webb City was incorporated under the statutes of the State of Missouri.

Webb City was the center of the lead and mining district of southwest Missouri. There was more lead and zinc mined within a radius of 3-1/2 miles than any other similar area in the world. From 1894 to 1904, the mines produced $23 million worth of ore. During the first World War, at its mining peak, there were over 50 mines in operation around Webb City.

The wooden buildings were soon replaced with brick, some three stories high. Webb City boasted of paved streets, electric lights, a good water works, a complete sewer system, two telephone companies, and the best equipped interurban electric railway in the west, connecting Webb City with the surrounding towns in every direction. There were 18 churches of different denominations, a reliable fire department, an Opera House seating 1,500, and many beautiful homes. There were two railroad depots, four banks and a YMCA.

Many businesses were established during the beginning years of Webb City, some of which are still in existence today. The Webb City Sentinel was established in 1879, the Webb City Bank was established in 1882 by John C. Webb and his son E.T. Webb. Webb Corporation incorporated in 1895.

After World War I, the mining industry declined because of the low price of ore and the discovery of Oklahoma ore pockets. Webb City's enterprising citizens, led by the Chamber of Commerce, turned to industry and brought many factories into town. Webb City had a leather factory, shirt factory, shoe factory, cigar factory, box factory, and a casket manufacturer. In 1920, Webb City attained the distinction of increasing her industries more than any other city in the United States, with an increase of 250 percent.

Another prominent feature in Webb City 's growth and national recognition was the gravel industry. Countless tons of gravel, chat, and sand have been shipped to every state in the Union for building roads, forming ballasts for railroads, as well as concrete and stucco construction.

Webb City put great energy and zeal into establishing one of the best school districts in the state. From the very beginning, the citizens of Webb City have shown loyalty to their schools by voting for the money necessary to keep pace with progress in education and the rapidly increasing demand for teachers and larger buildings.

As we take this journey into Webb City's past, we see the building blocks that have formed this wonderful community. A town that is noted for its amazing school system, continuing growth, community pride, great leadership, and proud heritage.

SPECIAL OCCASION RENTAL SPACES

The Clubhouse, located at 115 North Madison, is owned by the Webb City Historical Society.  Two rooms on the first floor, one large room on the second floor and a commercial kitchen are available for rent.  Each first floor room is large enough to seat up to 35 people.  The rental rate is $40 for one first floor room, $70 for two first floor rooms and $150 for the first and second floor rooms.  Rentals are per day from 9 a.m. to midnight.  The newly renovated building was originally built as the Clubhouse for the employees of the Southwest Missouri Electric Railroad.  This is the perfect place for small gatherings and larger receptions in an historic setting.  For reservation information, contact Eileen Nichols at 673-5866.

The Mining Days Community Building located in King Jack Park is ideal for larger gatherings with seating for over 100 diners.  The newly constructed facility boasts a commercial kitchen, a meeting area of 2,400 square feet, and expansive views of the park.  For reservation and fee information, contact Lexie McCoy at 673-6297.

The Amphitheater is located adjacent to the Mining Days Community Building and features a covered raised stage.  Seating for 350 can be expanded to 650 by using the lawns.  For reservation and fee information, contact Lexie McCoy at 673-6297.

Webb City Senior Center, 210 Pennsylvania, can seat up to 125 persons in its newly remodeled dining room.  For rental costs and more information, contact Mary Mitchell at 673-1876.

City Parks – For group reservations, contact Helen Woodworth – 673-1949

Aylor Park – Broadway & College – Volleyball courts, picnic area, barbecue grill

Hall Street Park – Hall & Wood – Playground, basketball court

Hatten Park – College & Austin – picnic areas, playground, shelter, volleyball court, basketball court

House Memorial Park – Rudondo & Aylor – tennis court, playground

King Jack Park – South Main Street – Farmers’ Market – Tuesdays and Fridays 11 to 3, walking and biking path, soccer, baseball & softball fields, riding arena, restored streetcar & track, Paradise Lake, playground, picnic areas, shelters, bathrooms, Praying Hands, Kneeling Miner, Chamber of Commerce office, Amphitheater, Mining Days Community Building

Webb City Clubs & Organizations

Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers Sorority – Kathy Casella – 781-1080

Amaranth – Praying Hands Court #15 – Opal Anderson – 673-1435

American Legion Post 322 – 673-1474

Youth Baseball – Shawna Friend – 673-4618

Youth Softball –Shane Newby - 499-3862

Boy Scouts - Pack 29 – Charlie Tyndall – 673-5736

Troop 25 – Terry Nations – 673-2281

Cruise Night – Bradbury Bishop Deli – 673-4047

City Parks –Reservations, contact Helen Woodworth – 673-1949

Eastern Star – Janis Jackson – 673-3000

Elks Club – 673-3671

Friends of the Library – Lisa Sweet – 673-3790

Friends of the Webb City Farmers’ Market – 673-5866

Girl Scouts – Troops for girls aged 5 through 17 – 623-8277

Grubby Gardeners – Nancy Carlson – 673-5811

Historical Society – Ann Watrous – 629-8782

King Jack Soccer – The Bridge – 206-6886

League of Women Voters – Frances Nichols – 673-4121

Mining Days Committee – Mendy Preston – 673-2979MO

Governor’s Mounted Guard – Kelly Hastings – 417-525-4562

Rotary – Bob Collier – 673-7078

SWMO Electric Railroad Association - Jerry Fisher, 850-1721

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7630 – 673-3181

Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce – 673-1154

Webb City Youth Cheerleading – Jennifer Crane – 673-7960

Webb City Youth Football – Kevin Crane – 673-7960

Webb City Youth Wrestling – Jennifer Weaver – 673-8791

Welcome Club – Monica Vaughn – 673-0220