Joplin was the land where the Piegan, Gros Ventre and Blood Indians formerly had their battleground. Most of the early settlers came from Minnesota, North Dakota and Missouri on the railroad line to settle on 'free land.' The first post office was established in 1910 with Joseph Rehal as postmaster.
Joplin is located in the north central area of Montana. It is situated on Highway 2 between Shelby and Havre.