Welcome to
Carthage
Carthage is home to the iconic 66 Drive-In Theatre — one of America's last operating Route 66 drive-ins, with the original 1949 marquee. The town also boasts the 1894 Romanesque Jasper County Courthouse, the most photographed courthouse on Missouri Route 66.
Precious Moments Chapel (Sam Butcher's lifetime project), the restored 1939 Boots Court Motel, and Red Oak II (Lowell Davis's recreated 1930s village) are the deep cuts.
exploreThings to See & Do
66 Drive-In Theatre
One of the last surviving original drive-in theatres on Route 66 — operating since 1949
Jasper County Courthouse
1894 Romanesque Revival courthouse — the crown jewel of Carthage's town square
Route 66 Visitor Center at Boots Court
Restored 1939 Streamline Moderne motel — Clark Gable slept here in 1949
Precious Moments Chapel
Sam Butcher's hand-painted chapel — the Sistine Chapel of folk-art figurines
Powers Museum
Free Carthage history museum with strong Battle of Carthage and Route 66 exhibits
Tips for Visiting Carthage
66 Drive-In runs from spring to fall — check schedule online.
Boots Court Motel is restored and operating; iconic green neon best photographed at dusk.
Precious Moments Chapel admission is free; closed Sundays.