Ground Boss added to Joplin’s Rotary Sculpture Garden

There was a time when the mining industry was the lifeblood of Joplin.

On Tuesday, a bronze statue named Ground Boss was officially installed at Mercy Park as part of Joplin’s Rotary Sculpture Garden to highlight that importance to the area.

The sculpture, designed by artist Garland Weeks of Texas, depicts a mining supervisor known as the Ground Boss, who was in charge overseeing and coordinating the activities of a mining operation, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. Ground Boss represents the thousands of workers who mined the area during the height of the Tri-state mining district.

The sculpture was donated by the Robertson Family, with patriarch Henry telling NewsTalk KZRG, “This sculpture is not only a tribute to the industry, it’s also a tribute to my grandfather and father.”