The Prosperity School Bed and Breakfast was built in 1907. It has a long history in the city of Joplin, MO, through which the Historic Route 66 goes. As the name suggests, it was originally built as a school in the tri-state mining district. The population of Joplin more than tripled during the early 1900s, when the mining industry was booming in the area. Eventually the boom ended and the schools is now a B&B. This B&B however can claim to be one of Joplin’s most haunted places.
The school was built out of red and yellow bricks as well as local Carthage stone. It’s built in a traditional style, which includes a Bell Tower. In addition to large classrooms, the school also had room for an auditorium and a stage. During its heyday, it was a happy learning place for kids throughout the Joplin area.
As the mining slowed down in the middle of the 20th century, student enrollment began to dwindle. The Prosperity School closed down in 1962, with only 32 students enrolled, which was a significant decrease the 1,200 or so enrolled during the mining boom. It lay vacant for decades until it was finally converted into a bed and breakfast in the 1990s.
Although it’s been renovated with modern amenities, the Prosperity School Bed & Breakfast still looks the same as it did in 1907. With its high ceilings, wide walls, upstairs library, and enclosed courtyard, it gives off an historic vibe, reminiscent of days gone by. Its location makes it perfect for lodging. As mentioned above, the infamous Route 66 goes right through it. It’s minutes away from MO Southern State University. There are many Civil War attractions in nearby Carthage.
Both guests and employees of this BB have numerous paranormal stories. Both have claimed to see shadow people and heard footsteps running across the floor when no one was there. One of the popular claims there are of hushed whispering of children, doors being opened and closed with by themselves, and even piano music heard even though no piano remains n the house.
Disembodied voices of children playing are heard around the house, an apparition of a little girl is often seen and one guest reported hearing metal pipes bagging but there aren’t any metal pipes in the house. There is a quest book full of paranormal experiences at the home. Each experience adding to the claims of this being one of Joplin’s most haunted places.
The town of Joplin has changed a lot since 1907, when it was home to general stores and saloons. The Prosperity School Bed and Breakfast is one of the few original buildings still remaining. Wildlife still wanders the grounds around the home. Guests can watch hummingbirds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, and the occasional wild turkey running around.
If you are looking for one of America’s most haunted places and a good relaxing weekend, check out the Prosperity School Bed and Breakfast. If you have been there and experienced anything, leave us a comment about what happened.