Webb City’s first brick buildings

The advent of masonry construction was a big step for Webb City. Frame buildings were eventually prohibited downtown because of the risk of fire spreading.

Founder John C. Webb led the way in residential brick construction. His two-story house at 112 N. Webb Street was the first brick house to be built in the city. It was located just north of the log cabin that he was living in at the time of his discovery of lead. The brick home was later torn down to make way for brick commercial buildings, which are still standing. In the photo, a portion of the first post office can be seen at the left.

Across the street, Webb and his son, E.T. Webb, oversaw construction of the original Webb City Bank building. On that site now is the Route 66 Tourist Information Center.

The Humphrey Building became the second brick commercial building. It was constructed by A.D. Hatten in the 200 block of North Main Street. Most of us recognize it as the home of the Bradbury Bishop Drug Store.