Travelers who drive into Carthage, Mo., on Route 66 will quickly note the striking architecture of the Jasper County Courthouse, which was built in the 1890s.
But behind those courthouse walls is a mural that’s every bit as striking. In 1976, local artist Lowell Davis painted the 26-foot-long mural that depicts the history of Jasper County. You can see the whole mural, titled “Forged in Fire,” at Davis’ Web site here.
The Jasper County Commission and historic committee will mark the 30th anniversary of the mural’s completion today at 10 a.m., reports the Carthage Press. It’s not known whether Davis will be able to attend, but downscaled prints of “Forged by Fire” will be for sale for $25.
Carthage was one of my favorite stops on Route 66. Don’t know why exactly. It was just quiet and quaint.