What's the Difference Between Joplin and Marshfield, Missouri?

Most of Missouri thinks it's in the North, but about the southern third of the state -- everything south of Rolla -- is distinctly country-western music, Confederate flags, Bible Baptist churches, and sweet tea.  And Joplin is the most distinctly Southern of them all.  At the far edge of the state, so a few miles' drive will put you in Oklahoma or...shudder..Arkansas.











If you happen to be stuck in Joplin, you can visit the hideout of infamous spree killers Bonnie and Clyde, the museum of minerals, or any of the 300 Baptist churches.  There are several evangelical Christian high schools and college, including Ozark Christian and Messenger, where you could get Leviticus quoted at you.

Ozark Christian, by the way, only offers crosscountry, soccer, and basketball.  I found no beefcake photos from them.

Or from anywhere in Joplin, for that matter, except the suburbs.







Like these two from nearby Marshfield.


















I'm getting to like that Marshfield.













Quick, where do I sign up?

Turns out that Marshfield, MO is nowhere near Joplin; it just popped up during my search because Google couldn't find any swimmers, wrestlers, bodybuilders, or powerlifters in Joplin.

It's a small town of 7,000 about 20 miles east of Springfield, known for its replica of the Hubbel Telescope and a Wild Animal Safari.  Lots of Baptist churches, a Christian high school.  No Christian colleges, but you can drive into Springfield to get yelled at at Evangel University, Drury University, and Baptist Bible College.

More or less the same as Joplin, but with one essential difference.