Joppa: Ohio River and Local History

Joppa has a strong connection to the Ohio River and a local history shaped by river traffic, railroad planning, and railroad ties. A public boat ramp provides access to the Olmsted Pool of the Ohio River. Historical milestones range from an early landing for riverboats to a planned railroad extension and the handling of railroad ties. For travelers, Joppa offers a connection to the river today and to the town’s development as a transportation and working hub.

The Ohio River and Early Local History

In the first half of the 19th century, a landing for riverboats known as Copeland's Landing stood at the present-day site of Joppa. This gives the town’s connection to the river historical roots: its early history includes a specific place for landing and river traffic. Joppa was named after the biblical city of Joppa, in present-day Israel. These two details tell different parts of the town’s story: the landing points to river traffic, while the name refers to a city in what is now Israel. For visitors interested in the origins of a place name and a town’s early development, they provide a clear starting point for exploring Joppa’s history.

Foundations and Community History

Church foundations also provide specific dates in the town’s history. Joppa Christian Church was founded on September 21, 1881; a Methodist Episcopal Church was founded in Joppa in 1922. These dates mark periods in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Alongside the history of the landing, they show that Joppa’s past can be understood through more than its transportation routes. To understand the town’s development, visitors can consider river traffic and religious community life side by side.

Railroad Planning and Railroad Ties

Railroad planning is another aspect of transportation history. In 1900, the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad began building a 15-mile extension to Joppa, which was intended to be its terminus. A 1916 newspaper account described the town as the site of one of the largest railroad tie-treating plants in the country. The same account reported that many thousands of ties were handled in Joppa each year. These are two distinct aspects: the planned railroad extension and the tie treatment and annual handling described in the 1916 account. This industrial history adds another perspective on Joppa to the earlier accounts of river traffic and community life.

North Avenue and Getting Around

North Avenue is also useful for getting around. A June 2018 description identifies it as a branch of the Ohio River Scenic Byway and describes its route along the edge of town, through the low levee. Details given at the time include a concrete roadway and a boat ramp. These details refer to conditions in June 2018, so check whether they still apply before planning a specific trip.

When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home in Joppa, start by asking what you want your stay to focus on. If the Ohio River is your main interest, the public boat ramp is a specific point of reference; if you are primarily interested in local history, the story ranges from the early landing to railroad planning and tie handling.

Discover more destinations: Metropolis.

Go to the broader travel overview: Massac County.