April 23, 1819

On this date the newspaper, Missouri Intelligencer and Boonslick Advertiser became the first to be printed west of St. Louis. This was important because of the town’s (Franklin’s) place near the head of the Santa Fe Trail.

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.