A terrible tornado destroyed a huge portion of Joplin. The worst hit was the city’s main hospital. Over 7,500 homes were also hit. The death toll was over 160. In the days and week after the disaster, the community rallied together to help each other.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo by Bob Webster.