In the mid-19th century, Missouri was the "wild west" for the United States. And into that wild west came a Methodist preacher by the name of Harris G. Joplin. He hoped that by establishing a congregation among the settlers he could provide a peaceful atmosphere for growth in the new state. Though no town arose around that church, the spring and river running through the valley were given his name. Then the ancient and useful metal lead was found in the area. But before it could be mined, the state of Missouri was literally "in the middle" of the American Civil War.