History of Novinger, Missouri / Storia di Novinger, Missouri


The community of Novinger, Missouri, was formed in approximately 1878, during a time of railroad expansion across Northeast Missouri. At that time, the Pacific Railroad began extending its line towards Kirksville, necessitating the crossing of farm land, and specifically that of John C. Novinger. In exchange for permission to run rail across his farm, Novinger negotiated the construction of a depot, named "Novinger," officially marking the formation of the city of Novinger. Novinger was subsequently incorporated on April 5, 1901, and John Frank Novinger, son of the town’s founder, was elected its first mayor.

Although the railroad expansion initially spawned the forestry industry in the area, which supplied the necessities for the rail lines and depot, mining was to be the future for the town of Novinger. In 1890, with the organization of the O.K. Mining Company, the town’s first coal mine was opened on a hill adjacent to the western edge of the city. The introduction of coal mining was a significant event in the formation and history of Novinger and for several decades was driving force behind the economy, expansion, and identity of the city. Although the industry experienced down times over the years and Novinger suffered from a competitive imbalance, the Novinger coal mining business prospered through the early 1950s. At the coal businesses peak, the Novinger Commercial Club boasted a population of 5,000, and the town had 27 developed coal mines, four churches, two railroads, two banks, two newspapers, a good school, and numerous retail stores. This expansion was the direct product of the Novinger coal business, which fed markets all over the Midwest.

An offshoot of the mining boom was the ethnic diversity it produced in the town. Over the years, people of various descents settled in the area, including those of German, English, French, Irish, and Italian origin. During the early years, the individual ethnic groups remained close knit and lived in close proximity to one another. Over the years, like the country in general, the groups settled into one community and engaged in cross marriage and association.

For some time following the fall of the coal industry, the city and its population fell into decline, appearing to be a town that time had left behind. Many of its remaining citizens were retired coal workers and their families, who relied on the business and employment opportunities located in neighboring Kirksville for subsistence. This increased the decline of the infrastructure and morale of its citizens. In the late 20th and early 21st century, Novinger has undertaken a renewal project in an effort to revitalize the city and promote its history and legacy in the area.