Interstate highways
Aerial view of I-44

In 1956, President Eisenhower enacted legislation calling for a modern highway system linking all parts of the nation. Once again, Joplin got in on the act, as Interstate 44 opened up a whole new area of town in 1958. As a result, traffic and business were funneled away from the urban center in downtown Joplin. The business district shifted and residential suburbs sprouted outward in all directions.