Cubby Bear's RV Park
Carthage, Missouri
by
Norman W. Hildrum

A stay in Carthage, Missouri can be extremely educational and inspirational. We arrived in Carthage on November 9th and parked our fifth wheel at Cubby Bear's RV Park which is located on the grounds of the Precious Moments Chapel. The normal season ends the first of November so the clubhouse and swimming pool were closed. However, the shower, sanitary dump, and laundry were open. All RV sites have water and 30/50 amp electrical hookups. Our cost was $10.00 per night (11/99).

The park is just a little over two years old and is in an exceptional location to see the historic and inspirational sites in the Carthage area. Attractions to visit include:

Precious Moments Chapel - The chapel is the fulfillment of a dream of artist Sam Butcher. A dream that began when he visited the Sistine Chapel in Rome many years ago. The Precious Moments Chapel contains 52 Biblical murals containing the teardrop-eyed children he created. The well landscaped grounds feature Precious Moments sculptures and water elements which create a relaxing and inspirational feeling.

Victorian Homes - By the end of the nineteenth century, Carthage had more millionaires per capita than any other city in the United States. Mining, milling, an rock quarrying were the main sources of this wealth. As a result, more than two dozen well preserved homes are scattered along Grand Avenue and Main Street (there are excellent examples of Italian, Queen Anne, Romanesque, Georgian, and Classic Revival homes).

Jasper County Courthouse - The stunning building was constructed from Carthage Marble (a form of gray limestone) and completed in 1895 and contains the oldest operating elevator in Missouri. The cost of the building was $100,000.

George Washington Carver National Monument - Just a short drive south of Carthage is the birthplace of George Washington Carver. It was here that Carver spent much of his early days and set the stage for his life-long desire to understand the processes of nature. He later gained world-wide fame for his research at Tuskegee Institute.

The Battle of Carthage - On July 5, 1861, two regiments of Union troops (1,200 men and artillery) clashed with the Missouri State Guard (2000 infantry, 3,500 cavalry, and seven artillery pieces). The battle continued most of the day at various locations in and around the small town of Carthage. By nightfall, the fighting broke off with the Union troops retreating toward Sarcoxie, Missouri. This confrontation preceded the Battle of Bull Run by more than two weeks.

All in all, Carthage, Missouri is an excellent destination for SavvyCampers and Cubby Bear's RV Park is one campground worth visiting.