Charles Dickens arrived in St. Louis for a five-day visit. He seemed to like the people, hotels, etc. but commented, “It is very hot, lies among great rivers, and has vast tracts of undrained swampy land around it…”

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.