Created in 1908, the Lincoln School became the hub of education for Black children of the Joplin area. Surrounding towns that had no black school of their own bussed their children to Lincoln school to further their education. Lincoln School was celebrated for the dedication of its teachers and Marion Dial, the school’s principal for 36 years, was a pillar of the local Black community. Once the area finally desegregated the school system the building fell into decline and was eventually demolished in 1989.