The cornerstone of the Joplin Courthouse was laid on May 8, 1894 at an elaborate ceremony attended by fifteen thousand people. Fifty-one organizations participated in a parade to commemorate the special event. Joplin architect William B. Rees designed the $20,000 brick and limestone building, which featured a 92-foot tower. Unfortunately, the ill-fated building succumbed to a disastrous fire on June 13, 1911, when a can of disinfectant exploded in the basement. The original cornerstone is displayed near the site.