Known by old timers as “the day that Marshfield blew away,” an F-4 tornado struck Marshfield and killed 99. 100 more were injured. The towns of McDowell, Ozark, Linden, and Fordland,  were devastated. Seven died in Springfield. Fierce tornados blew through Barry, Miller, Morgan, Moniteau, and Callaway Counties also.

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.