NEOSHO

city, seat (1839) of Newton county, southwest Missouri, U.S. It lies in the Ozark Mountains, 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Joplin. Founded in 1839, its name, of Osage Indian derivation, meaning clear and abundant water, probably refers to the nine flowing springs (the largest of which is at Big Spring State Park) within the city limits. During the American Civil War, Neosho was the scene of many skirmishes; actual battles were fought at Newtonia, 12 miles (19 km) east (April 30, 1861, and Oct. 28, 1864). A marker in the Neosho courthouse yard commemorates the meeting of the Civil War Secession Legislature (October 1861). The city's economy depends on agriculture (poultry, dairying), light manufactures (including clothing, wire products, and furniture), and rocket-engine testing facilities. There are lead and zinc mines in the vicinity. One of the oldest U.S. fish and wildlife service hatcheries (1887) is at Neosho. Crowder College (1964), on the site of Fort Crowder, is nearby. The painter Thomas Hart Benton was a native son. Inc. 1855. Pop. (1990) 9,254.