Roots of Carthage
The Maple Leaf Art Installation Series, presented by the Route 66 Subcommittee of Tourism, is a curated celebration of art, place, and heritage in Carthage.
Throughout these pages, and as you explore the city itself, you’ll encounter a collection of works created by the talented artists who help shape Carthage’s distinctive character.
Each installation offers a glimpse into the stories, architecture, and creative spirit that make this historic destination both timeless and vibrant.
As you journey from leaf to leaf, collect a sticker at each location and fill in the Maple Tree at the back of this booklet, a memorable keepsake of your experience.
1. Boots Court Motel
The historic Boots Court Motel, established in 1939, stands at the “Crossroads of ”America” (Jefferson Highway and Route 66) in Carthage, and remains one of the oldest operating motels along the iconic Route 66.
“The Open Road” by Elizabeth Wallsmith
“This piece honors the historic roadway that has carried travelers and stories through Carthage for generations, connecting communities and visitors worldwide through memorable experiences.”
2. “Big Dreams Grow in Carthage” Mural
The Downtown Mural Project started out of a concept of integrating art with Historic Preservation through Vision Carthage, a local nonprofit. Completed in 2021, the mural is 44 feet long by 28 feet tall. There are 459 tiles on the wall, featuring 14 famous Carthaginians. The mural was designed by Andy Thomas.
“Carthage Sunset” by Dan Curry
“It’s beautiful to watch the sun set on the square in Carthage. This leaf captures one of the best times of day to drive through our community.”
3. Battle of Carthage Marker
The Battle of Carthage (July 5, 1861) was one of the earliest significant land battles of the Civil War and the first sizable clash west of the Mississippi River. This running battle stretched more than ten miles across the countryside. A reenactment is held every two years on land that witnessed part of the original battle.
“The Battle of Carthage” by Andy Thomas
“The sun sets on the Battle of Carthage as Union forces retreat to bluffs east of town.”
Andy's career in professional art began in the fall of 1991 after sixteen years of working for Leggett & Platt, Inc. He currently works from his studio in Carthage, where he creates his unique oil paintings.
4. Carthage Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber also coordinates the Maple Leaf Festival®, a major annual week-long celebration held during the third week of October. The festival began in 1966 as a marching band competition and has since grown into a community-wide event celebrating the beauty of maple-leaf trees in fall.
Incorporated in 1932, the Carthage Chamber of Commerce is devoted to enhancing and supporting new and existing businesses in the community.
“Deep Roots” by Olivia Colston
“This piece represents how the history of Carthage runs throughout the town like the veins in a leaf, touching every part of our community, with the Jasper County Courthouse beating like a heart at its center.”
5. Jasper County Courthouse
Completed in 1895, the Jasper County Courthouse is constructed of locally quarried limestone known as Carthage Marble.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, it remains the seat of Jasper County government and is often cited as Missouri’s most photographed building after the Gateway Arch.
“Main Street Magic” by Michelle Logan
“Main Street Magic” was inspired by the excitement of the Maple Leaf Parade, when our historic courthouse square and Route 66 heritage come alive with cheering families, waving flags, and hometown
pride. From the fire truck celebrating
our football players to the
steady drum cadence of the
band, the festive crowd
captures the joy of the parade
rolling through the center of town.”
6. Carthage Public Library
Funded by a donation from Andrew Carnegie, the Carthage Public Library was completed in 1904.
An award-winning addition, The Steadley Family Legacy Center, was constructed in 2007. The library continues to serve as a vital resource for the community, providing education as well as beautiful gardens for all to enjoy.
“Stars, Stripes & Route 66” by Elizabeth Wallsmith
“Celebrating the patriotic spirit of Route 66 and American pride, “Stars, Stripes & Route 66” is a reflection of Carthage's place in America's story of travel and connection. “
7. Central Park
Officially established in 1900, Central Park features a historic bandstand, fountain, wading pool, and bathhouse. Marlin Perkins, a Carthage native, renowned wildlife
conservationist, and longtime host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom (1963–1985), is honored with a statue in the park.
“The Mother Road of Love” by Len Nordmann
“This piece is inspired by the entire road from Chicago to Santa Monica. My own experiences traveling Route 66 helped shape this design. I’ve traveled the full route 27 times and have plans to go again!”
8. Carter Park
Carter Park was a generous gift to the city from Civil War veteran and physician John A. Carter. To the east lies the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site, where the final skirmish of the July 5, 1861, battle took place.
“My Heritage” by Messi Perez
I created this painting for the people and culture it represents. I'm a hispanic artist and I wanted to portray my heritage through my art. The little girl is wearing a traditional straw hat that a lot of hispanics wear during field work. She's wearing a dress that has a common design that many hispanic cultures use when making dresses. The background consists of a yellow circle which represents the field in which they work in.
9. artCentral
Located in the historic Hyde House, artCentral is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to promoting, teaching, and fostering an appreciation for the fine arts. In addition to art, here you‘ll also enjoy award-winning gardens.
“Prismatic Possibilities” by Grace Carpenter
“By fostering creativity through art, combining knowledge with bravery - we learn that skills are not innate but built in the endeavor to create self.”
10. The Phelps House
Designed by prominent lawyer and political leader William H. Phelps, the Phelps House was the first residence constructed with locally quarried grey limestone known as “Carthage Marble.”
“Magic of Growing Up Carthage” by Michewlle Logan
“Growing up in Carthage and later raising my own children here has given me a deep appreciation for the simple moments that make childhood special. [This leaf] reflects those memories—playing beneath the golden glow of maple leaves, exploring landmarks like the historic Phelps House, and growing up along the storied path of Route 66.
11. Mark Twain School
Built in 1917 on the site of the former Carthage Collegiate Institute, this school is one of two Carthage schools constructed of Carthage “Marble.” Its name honors Missouri-born author and humorist Samuel Clemens who was known as Mark Twain.
“Tigris Folium” (“Tiger Leaf”) by Lyndlee Conklin
“19 years of age, I was born in Loudong, Taiwan. I was adopted and brought to America a few months later by a lovely Midwestern couple. These past few years I graduated from Carthage High School and have been working on our family farm.
I saved every dollar I earned to attend Heartland Horseshoeing School.”
12. Griggs Park
A popular park for leisure visitors and walking traffic, Griggs is always filled with activity!
Griggs features a skate park and multiple pickleball courts. Players can choose from eight courts with LED lights that surround the courts after dark.
“Deep Roots” by Olivia Colston
“This piece represents how the history of Carthage runs throughout the town like the veins in a leaf, touching every part of our community, with the Jasper County Courthouse beating like a heart at its center.”
13. Carthage Water & Electric Plant
Established in 1898, Carthage Water & Electric Plant is a municipally owned utility providing electricity, water, wastewater, and fiber optic services to the community. In 2009, the utility purchased and restored the historic McCune-Brooks Hospital building to serve as its central office.
“Freedom Road” by Debbie Boulware
My community in Hollister has an eagle's nest that I visit regularly, and my final art piece was drawn from a photo of one of our local eagles proudly resting on a branch. America's symbol of freedom seemed only appropriate as we celebrate the Mother Road, which was truly a path of freedom for generations.
"The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolize the strength and freedom of America." John Fitzgerald Kennedy
14. Mother of the Redeemer
Formerly the campus of Our Lady of the Ozarks College, in 1975 this property became the U.S. monastery of the Vietnamese Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer. Since 1978, Carthage has hosted Marian Days, an annual celebration honoring the Virgin Mary that draws tens of thousands of
Vietnamese American Catholics.
“The Mother Road” by Andrew Batcheller
“Since my earliest recollection I have been an artist , before I even knew the definition. I work primarily in oils with the intention of understanding the human condition, using birds and animals as representations of “us.” My continual search for meaning in life is central to my work. Ani Difranco once sang, ‘the world owes us nothing. We owe each other the world.’ My paintings are my dedication to that sentiment.”
15. Precious Moments
Fulfilling the creative dream of artist Sam Butcher, the Precious Moments Chapel opened in 1989 as a sanctuary of peace with over 9000 square feet of hand painted murals. It represents Butcher’s belief in faith and the enduring power of love.
“Two Hearts, One Road” by Deb Butcher
“This piece celebrates the spirit of Route 66 and the charm of Carthage. A young couple travels a winding road through familiar landmarks and autumn scenery, capturing both the beauty of the area and the experience of the journey itself. Inspired by the idea of love as a shared path, the road becomes a symbol of connection, growth, and the memories made over time. Like travelers on Route 66, visiting each stop gathering memories, this piece is a reminder that every destination holds a
story worth discovering.”
16. Kellogg Lake
Created in 1953 along Spring River and the original Route 66 alignment, this man-made lake offers scenic views and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, disc golf, and picnicking.
The park contains a monument for the Blue Star Memorial Highway dedicated to those who served in the US military.
“Where Bluebirds Roam” by Cheryl Church
‘“Where Bluebirds Roam” reflects freedom and quiet hope along Route 66 and Jefferson Highway. The bluebird, a symbol of happiness, moves through open skies surrounded by blooming dogwoods and wildflowers, capturing the beauty and resilience of the heartland. It’s a reminder that the road is not just a place, but a feeling of movement, memory, and possibility.”
17. Red Oak II
This town is the creation of artist Lowell Davis, who in 1987 began relocating old structures to a field next to his farm to honor his hometown, the original Red Oak. While many of the buildings today are private residences, Red Oak II is free and open to the public as a “living museum,” a tribute to rural Missouri life.
“Lowell J. Davis" by Jason Shelfer
Jason is a 5th generation Carthaginan and an award-winning local artist. While blending creativity into virtually every aspect of his life, he also creates found object metal sculptures, whimsical jewelry, paints in a variety of mediums, practices print making, and occasionally makes a bit of clothing or accessories. When pressed about his abilities in any endeavor, he's likely to respond, "what I lack in talent, I make up for in enthusiasm."
18. Whee Bridge
Built in 1920 and officially known as the Oak Street Bridge, this local landmark is known by many names including Whee Bridge and Tickle Tummy Hill.
Due to its steepness, the bridge has thrilled generations of Carthaginians with a tickle in their stomach while driving over the bridge.
“Sunset on the Courthouse” by Mira Beckham
“I have been looking at the Carthage courthouse since I was very little. I have many good memories of going to the square with friends with the courthouse presiding over us. With this painting, I attempted to convey the beauty of the Carthage Courthouse and what it means to the citizens of Carthage.
19. Municipal Park
Dedicated July 5, 1937, Municipal Park was developed in part by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Many of its stone structures, including Rock Stadium, the swimming pool bathhouse, and the roller rink, were built with local fieldstone. The park also features the Carthage Golf Course, Jasper County Fairgrounds, a Route 66 playground, and Kiwanis Kiddieland.
“Municipal Park” by Dan Curry
“As a long-time Carthaginian, I grew up playing in this park. I have many fond memories of the baseball field, the swimming pool, the skating rink, and the golf course!”
20. Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre
This Community Theatre traces its origins to the Carthage Music Club established in 1928.
Many decades later it continues as a volunteer run organization dedicated to the performing arts in Southwest Missouri and the Four States area.
“Little Gem” by Tom Jones
What a privilege to commemorate both the City of Carthage and the celebration of Route 66 with my artwork. There are so many icons along this route, one such as the little hidden gem of Stone's Throw Dinner Theater. My painting "Little Gem" is acrylic on the Maple Leaf cutout. I wanted to capture the essence of the building, nestled into and surrounded by the foliage, with the front open and inviting. The purpose of painting Stone's Throw Dinner Theater was to inform people of the hidden, often overlooked "little gems" along the path of Route 66.
21. Route 66 Drive In
This iconic Route 66 landmark opened in 1949 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. It is the oldest historic drive-in theater located directly on Route 66 in Missouri, and one of the few fully operational drive-ins on Route 66.
“Kicks” by Kristen Hawkins
‘“Kicks” is inspired by a mustang owned by some dear friends of mine, Jude & Celesta Champagne. We tooks the kids out to the Drive In for a photo shoot and I love the memory of this great day.”
22. Memorial Hall
The eastern wall proudly displays the names of Carthage soldiers honored in battle. One block west is the only quilting store on Route 66. Each year, a variety of events are held in this building, including a well-attended quilt show.
Carthage Memorial Hall was built in 1924 as a tribute to World War I Soldiers. Explore displays showcasing the personal belongings of soldiers, including knives, brushes, and uniform pieces.
“Tree of Life” by Sue Stark
“I am a barn quilt artist and instructor and was encouraged to make a submission by Paula Brooks, the owner of Quilter’s Corner Station quilt shop, which coincidentally is the only quilt shop on Route 66! I am a Carthaginian, raised my three sons here and love our beautiful town!”
23. Root 66 Farmers Market
The Carthage Farmers Market offers a wide variety of fresh in-season produce, greenhouse plants, honey, jams, jelly, and baked goods. Housed inside the Kolpin Family Pavilion, the market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon, April through November.
“The Beauty of Carthage” by Elizabeth Wallsmith
“This piece is about sharing the beauty of architectural design and love of nature in our community. With symbols of growth, pride and a welcoming spirit that makes visiting Carthage memorable to all, [this] is a lovely destination.”
Snap a selfie at each leaf on the tour and use #RootsOfCarthage
Partners
