History of Joplin, Montana in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 27, 2026

Joplin, Montana is an unincorporated community and census-designated place located in Liberty County. According to the 2020 census, the population of Joplin was 159 residents. It is a small, rural community.

1902: Station house on the Great Northern Railway

As early as 1902, Joplin was a station house on the Great Northern Railway.

1910: Joplin founded

In 1910, Joplin was founded by Lebanese immigrant Joseph E. Rehal, who also became the town's first postmaster.

1974: Graduating class

In 1974, the Joplin graduating class consisted of 18 students.

2000: Census of 2000

According to the census of 2000, Joplin had a population of 210 people, 91 households, and 66 families.

2005: Joplin School closed

In 2005, the former Joplin School was closed when the Chester-Joplin-Inverness public school district was formed.

2020: 2020 census

In 2020, the census reported Joplin's population as 159.

September 25, 2021: Amtrak train derailment

On September 25, 2021, Amtrak passenger train 7/27, the westbound Empire Builder, derailed 1 mile west of Joplin, Montana, resulting in three fatalities and 50 injuries.