The Charming Small Town In Missouri That Was Home To Langston Hughes Once Upon A Time
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on April 14, 2024(Originally published October 20, 2022)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
A long list of prominent individuals – from politicians to athletes – have called Missouri home at one time or another. Among those many notable Missourians is Langston Hughes, a world-renowned poet and writer. While his time in this charming small town in Missouri was short, his influence in the state, and worldwide, is felt to this day.
Born in Joplin in 1902, Langston Hughes only lived in the small Missouri town for a short time of his life. Shortly after his birth, his parents separated.
While his father moved to Mexico and his mom floated from town to town, Hughes spent much of his childhood with his grandmother in neighboring Kansas. Her death reunited him with his mom, and the two made their way to Ohio.
Hughes began writing poetry in high school and would later, during a stint at Columbia University, become involved in the cultural movement, The Harlem Renaissance.
The Missouri native’s first book of poetry, "The Weary Blues," was published in 1926; "Not Without Laughter," his debut novel, followed three years later.
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Throughout his long and storied career, the poet traveled to all corners of the world, taught writing courses, and continued to publish his poetry. He passed away in 1967 after a battle with prostate cancer.
Hughes’ influence is still felt in Joplin, the perfect daytrip destination or weekend getaway. If you visit this charming small town, make sure you stop by Grand Falls.
The breathtaking cascade is picture-perfect all year around, although it’s particularly popular in the summer when visitors wade in the waterfall’s pool.
Make time to explore the eclectic collection of shops and restaurants in downtown Joplin. Historic Route 66 meanders through town, which is home to the Route 66 Mural Park.
Did you know that Langston Hughes is from Joplin, Missouri? Are you a fan of his work? If you’ve been to Joplin, where do you recommend travelers visit? Let us know in the comments! For another adventure, visit the small Missouri town that has more murals than any other.
If you’re like me, you might find sometimes a daytrip really should turn into an overnight getaway. If you’ve got the time, book a stay at a charming Joplin Vrbo.
