Where IS Carthage, MO?

Why did both of us think that Carthage, MO, was located on the Mississippi River? Was there something in Huck Finn about it being in that area? In any case, both of us were wrong, for it is located in the beginnings of the Ozarks, in the southwest corner of Missouri. In the past two days, we have actually learned quite a bit about the area, beginning with its distinction of having a major Civil War battle before the Battle of Bull Run, and its needing to be rebuilt subsequently as a result of the seige. It is also home to both Belle Starr (quite a juicy story!) and the Precious Moments Chapel, both of which we have checked out. Industries include a limestone quarry, a cold storage area in caves under the limestone, and much farming. Its Victorian heritage is obvious, from the beautiful Carnegie Library to the Jasper county Courthouse, complete with an OLD wrought-iron elevator with an operator. The cute town square area is languishing but had a terrific gourmet cuisine shop which even had Emeril's "liquid gold" truffle oil... for ONLY $48 a bottle! There are a bunch of fast-food places, few, if any, good restaurants, and a sports bar that serves ice-cold beer and a rib-eye dinner for $6.99... Not too bad! The people have been very friendly, love to talk a VERY long time, and many have missing teeth and bad grammar. Good thing we were not trying our Billy-Bob teeth here! So, having shopped at WalMart, improved their local economy by purchasing four RV batteries, and talked to the locals, we will be leaving this area tomorrow for East Texas Hill Country and Livingston, to collect our mail! More happy wanderings!