This article from Library of Congress' Performing Arts Encyclopedia gives an extensive explanation of the history of ragtime. Trace the development of the genre from the 1850s through the 1970s.

Includes background essays, artist biographies, sheet music, video, and audio resources about ragtime.

This site discusses the life of Scott Joplin and his contribution to the musical world. The information is brief but covers the main events in his life.

This site from John Roache's Classic Ragtime MIDI library provides Numerous MIDIs from various jazz artists including Joplin, Lamb, Hunter, Scott, Mashall and Schwartz. A great site to check out on the subject.