SR JJ, SR Z and SR 171 run through Carl Junction.

When large lead deposits were found in the county around 1870 it lead to the founding of Joplin and the establishment of railroad spur lines built to connect the boomtown to pre-established rail lines, and to the Kansas coal mines, to bring fuel to the smelters used to separate the metal from the ore. Carl Junction was one of the way stations for the new spurs. In the Spring of 1877, a Kansas merchant had the town of Carl Junction laid out with approximately 80 lots, seven streets and four alleys. The first train of the Frisco railroad ran through Carl Junction two years later and ten years after that a railroad section facility, switching yard, coal and water chute, a depot and an office were built in town. The thing that put the town on the front age of the news occurred around 1892 when the fossilized remains of two adult and two infant elephants were discovered in a mine on the south end of town. The annual Carl Junction Bluegrass and Crafts Festival is held in September at Center Creek Park. Bluegrass music is performed by several bands and the festival also has a car show, crafts and children's activities. If you plan to attend, bring a chair; seating is not provided.

Hon. Mark Elliston