Baked Brie Appetizer with Balsamic Berries and Thyme

The complex issues of race and class in small town America are forefront in the exhibit of Otis N. Pruitt photographs on display at the Missouri State Historical Society in Columbia, Mo. Those issues are intimately tied to Missouri’s history,

Less than one percent of Missouri's original prairie remains from pre-settlement days. This photo essay from a farm west of Kirksville illustrates the initiative Roeslein Alternative Energy is leading to restore 30 million acres of prairie in the next 30 years.

How did Sedalia, Missouri get its name? The founder was George Rappen Smith. So where did "Sedalia" come from?

Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, created Big Cedar Lodge to encourage visitors and their families to connect with the great outdoors.

When you hear the word "bodybuilder," do you think of Bernarr Macfadden? You should. He was born on this date in 1868.

Springfield, Missouri's "Great Cobra Scare" began on this date in 1953 when the first of nearly a dozen cobras was found in a yard not far from a pet shop on St. Louis Street.

Lula Christman died in Centralia on this date. Her grave was dug a week earlier. It's a strange story.

The first-ever Missouri Book Festival will celebrate the best of regional life, culture, and history with an array of dynamic programming meant to promote literacy and encourage reading. 

Legal gambling on horse racing began on this date in 1986. The state-sanctioned betting was off and running at the Missouri State Fair.

To honor Missouri’s 200 years of statehood, the State Historical Society, Missouri Star Quilt Company, and the Missouri State Quilters Guild teamed up to find quilters for each of the individual quilt blocks.

Sue DiPiano is a passionate cyclist who is often found in a bike saddle, but she also has a horse. You can usually find her in one saddle or another.

Missouri U.S. Senator David Rice Atchison was born on this date in Frogtown, Kentucky. Atchison also holds the distinction of being U.S. president for one day.

On this date in Missouri history, Missouri became a state and St. Charles was designated as the temporary capitol.

Missouri's women senators are promoting "You Can, Too!," a book designed to engage young readers, promote literacy, instill confidence and encourage young girls to follow their passions. Sen. Sandy Crawford hosted a tea party event on Tuesday in Buffalo.

The Blues at the Arch Festival pays tribute to St. Louis' storied blues history and showcases the talents of national and local entertainers in the North Gateway of Gateway Arch National Park, near the Eads Bridge and Laclede’s Landing.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is an outdoor paradise in the Ozark Mountains in Lampe, Missouri, a place for all ages to connect with nature and the great outdoors! 

Tar and feathers? That was just one of the anti-chicken thief punishments promised by a new vigilante group in Shelby County 122 years ago.

Whether you're craving an outdoor concert or a fun test of your athleticism, Jefferson City has the perfect event to round out your summer experience. Summer is beginning to wind down, and it’s time to end it with a bang.

The Fats and the Leans squared off for a baseball game in Hermann 125 years. Which team prevailed?

The Lake of the Ozarks owes its existence to the Osage River and the construction of Bagnell Dam, which began on this date in 1929.

A bike ride along the Katy Trail takes you through the heart of Missouri, which is the heart of America. Anyone can do it!

The 14th Annual Robert Classic French Film Festival takes place from August 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21 at Webster University in Webster Groves.

Missouri History Today is a regular feature of missourilife.com that chronicles the Show-Me State's history day by day. What dates, events, or accomplishments are we missing from our collection?

Missouri Life Notebook is a digest of news and events that readers can check when they're ready for their next road trip, evening out, or joining a new group.

Historical events showcased in the dance drama Samarpan will be depicted in five languages by more than 120 artists from India, the United States, and Canada. The world premiere of Samarpan is Saturday, August 13, at Touhill Performing Arts Center.

William Lear, the Hannibal, Mo. native most associated with the Lear Jet, is credited with getting the patent for the first car radio in 1931.

Neosho, known as The Flower Box City, is blooming once again. In more ways than one.

On this date in Missouri history in 1937, the final trolley car parade took Springfield residents across the city one last time before the trolleys were retired. 

Forty-one years ago today, the last Corvette rolled off the production line in St. Louis.

People were evacuated from south St. Louis on this date in 1993 as authorities feared propane tanks set loose by the Flood of '93 could explode.

Three Missouri museums celebrate the iconic tractor and tell the tale of how they evolved into the high-tech behemoths that populate today’s fields. 

Mid-Continent Public Library’s annual Romance GenreCon convention for romance readers and writers will return August 4-6.

What animal did milkmaids use to deliver Pevely Dairy products in St. Louis 90 years ago?

On this date in Missouri history in 2015, a man in rural Jonesburg killed a fifteen-foot python near his home.

There is more than one right answer for every design, it just comes down to the client’s taste and the architecture. Building the perfect material palette is a vital step in the process.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites landowners and others interested in managing deer on their properties to learn about its Deer Management Assistance Program.

Although the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a national park, it sometimes seems like it is the best-kept secret in the state.

Kansas City native Tom Watson cements his legacy as one of the greatest golfers of all time by winning the British Senior Open.

The newest section of what would become the Missouri-Pacific Railroad was completed between California, Missouri and Tipton, Missouri on this date in 1858.

Missouri gained additional national accolades on this date in 2015 when USA Today dubbed Lake of the Ozarks the best recreational lake in the country.

Legendary Route 66, the Mother Road, lost the last of its iconic highway logo shields in Missouri on this date in 1985.

Francis Howell High School grad and star athlete Mark Buehrle pitched the 18th perfect game in Major League Baseball history on this date in 2009.

The State Historical Society of Missouri has released a series of 12 workshop videos aimed at teaching basic genealogy techniques.

“Missouri River Adventure Camp,” a new initiative by Missouri River Relief, explores the Missouri River by motorboat and by land.

Missouri brick magnate A.P. Green was born on this date in Jefferson City. A.P. Green bricks produced in Mexico, Mo., were fire resistant.

On this date in Missouri history, Six Flags over Mid-America permanently shuttered its Skyway tram ride.

The man behind the music for St. Louis sports. Jeremy Boyer is the sole organist at all home Blues games and many home Cardinals games.

The Flood of '93 ravaged Missouri and the Midwest from April to October, with the biggest rainfalls coming in July. On this date, the Mississippi River in St. Louis topped 47 feet.

Missouri authors and books capture our imaginations with this list of recommended reading.

Missouri History Today is a regular feature of missourilife.com that chronicles historic people, places, and events in the Show-Me State.

The Missouri Book Festival takes place Aug. 25-27 in Washington, Mo, and will be filled with activities for all ages.

Buckle up and get ready to explore Missouri—it’s road trip season. Where do you want to go? Here are some budget- and fuel-friendly ideas.

Did you know? Former Cardinals MVP Joe Torre is the only major leaguer to achieve both 2,000 hits as a player and 2,000 wins as a manager

On this date in Missouri history, the Hyatt Regency walkway collapsed, claiming more than 100 lives in Kansas City.

Missouri History Today is a regular online feature of Missouri Life magazine to chronicle Show-Me State history.

Spending the night in a 48-million-year-old cave in the Missouri Ozarks was everything you could imagine it would be. Except for the sounds.

The disappearance of 12-year-old Heather Kullorn in 1999 remains a tragic mystery.

This was the hottest day in Missouri history. The temperature reached 118 degrees Fahrenheit  in Warsaw and Union—towns 160 miles apart.

Screenings for the 22nd Annual Whitaker St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase are set for July 15-17 and 22-24.

Here’s a look at five communities in Missouri that have faced challenges but have put in the work to renew, restore, and rebuild their business districts.

Red snapper is one of my favorite fishes with its mild flavor and meaty yet flaky texture, and it’s not a fish that I would expect to find in the heart of beef country in Sedalia. But here it was at No. 5 Bistro.

Missouri History Today is a regular, online feature from Missouri Life magazine. We look at significant dates in Show-Me State history that shaped who were are today.

The Parkway Theaters in the Ward Parkway Shopping Center in Kansas City was the first known complex to have multiple theaters at one location. 

Kansas City Royals star Hal McRae was born on this date. He defined the position of designated hitter.

Missouri's official state dinosaur, Hypsibema Missouriense, was a duck-billed herbivore.

On this date in history, Mickey Carroll, one of the most beloved of all the Munchkins in the “Wizard of Oz," was born in St. Louis.

The world's longest, nonstop canoe/kayak race returns to Missouri July 12-15, with roughly 650 paddlers entered to race in the Missouri American Water MR340 to support river preservation.

The Hive, a.k.a Hive of the Ozarks, is a cafe-style eatery in Willard that operates on a nonprofit business model. It provides young adults with differing abilities the opportunity to learn food service skills.

A giant step forward in the baking industry put Missouri on the culinary map, as the Chillicothe Baking Company sold sliced bread for the very first time.

Vannetta Groeteke's lifelong passion for sportfishing began one summer at Table Rock Lake when her grandfather helped her catch her first fish.

On this date in 1957, the Harry S. Truman Library opened in Independence. 

Dwight Davis was a man who got things done, not just a star tennis player and the namesake of the Davis Cup.

Tucked away beneath The Ozark Mill, The Garrison features elegant shareable plates and high-brow cocktails inspired by The Ozark Mill's intricate machinery.

Are the woodland critters and birds announcing the arrival of a man at the edge of their briar-laden haven? Or is there something else in those woods, perhaps something that resembles the something that set this town on edge and hatched an international news sensation 50 years ago?

It was certainly a desire to ride through the state’s green and rolling-hill countryside in summertime that attracted us. Maybe there was a pain component, too, that was curiously, if a little perversely, compelling—confronting the dreaded beast that is humidity in Missouri’s hottest months. 

On this date in history, Missouri's first secretary of state, Joshua Barton, was killed in a duel.

Missouri History Today is a regular feature of Missouri Life magazine on missourilife.com. Missouri History Today chronicles the Show-Me State's stories, people, and places.

The Garrison restaurant, a former speakeasy in the Ozarks, brings the past to life with delectable flavor and history.

Missouri History Today is a regular feature of Missouri Life magazine on missouriife.com.

GOEX is wholly owned by The Global Orphan Project, a Missouri-based nonprofit with a mission to break the orphan cycle through the power of community and commerce.

The cataclysmic Flood of '93 reached historic levels, breaching flood stage on this date in history.

On this date in history, Martin McNally hijacked a plane at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, demanding $500,000 as a ransom for the plane and crew.

Today is the birthday of Hall of Fame, All-Pro, and Super Bowl MVP quarterback Kurt Warner of the then-St. Louis Rams, and the conductor of "the greatest show on turf."

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources acquired the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site site in 1977, two years after the death of the Neosho-born artist.

Thomas Gibson Walton, the father of Wal-Mart founders Bud and Sam Walton, was born at Diggins in Webster County.

Missouri Life magazine readers will recognized the image below, but the new spin—a blackout poem based on the article "The Battle of the Backyard," by Missouri Life columnist Ron Marr—gives the article unique perspective.

This date, June 20, is the birthday of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and sports personality, Len Dawson. 

Mid-Missourian Charles Leiper Grigg was a soft drink icon. He moved to St. Louis from his hometown of Montgomery City on this date in 1929.

On this date in 1949, Garroway at Large debuts on NBC. Dave Garroway, a University City native and Washington University graduate, was later the first host of the Today Show.

Did cell phone service really begin 76 years ago? Find the answer with Missouri History Today at missourilife.com.

Kansas City was officially named a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city on Thursday as FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, announced the 16 bids selected across the United States, Mexico and Canada to host matches for the largest event in World Cup history. 

Fifty years ago this summer, a major Hollywood film company arrived in mid-Missouri for a nine-week shooting schedule to film a widescreen musical adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic 1876 book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Have you seen the newest mural at Hannibal's Dutch Country General Store? As a group of WW2 airplanes soars over the country landscape, can you make out Old Glory’s stars and stripes reaching out onto the horizon?

On this date in Missouri history, the University of Missouri-Columbia baseball team won the national championship and the College World Series. 

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is showcasing 51 student National History Day projects, including a video exhibit created by two eighth grade students from Odessa Middle School.

Once seated on my loaner Soul Seat, I knew I needed to make a couple of adjustments to the height of the lower platform, as well as the upper one, also called “the perch.” After these quick customizations, I was ready to roll. Or not. 

The Missouri Monster—Mo Mo—became part of Missouri history and folklore 50 years ago in July 1972. While I never had an encounter with that Mo Mo, there was another, different Mo Mo that actually lived with us. Let me explain.

One of the most lopsided trades in baseball history happened on this day. Who was the pitcher the Cardinals traded to the Cubs to get Lou Brock?

The Missouri Botanical Garden will offer free admission to all visitors on Sunday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth. Visitors can spend a restful and restorative day in the Garden and partake in special activities planned for the day. 

On this date in Missouri history, the St. Louis area's list of entertainment venues grew.

On this date in Missouri history, the famous bear pits at the St. Louis Zoo were opened for public view.

St. Louis Union Station is your Midwest destination this summer! With six attractions, including the St. Louis Aquarium and St. Louis Wheel, there is something for everyone.

Summer is here, which means it’s time to dive into Missouri’s cool blue waters.

On this date in Missouri history, The National Saengerfest was underway in St. Louis.

On this date in Missouri history, the Cape Girardeau-built Red Rover accepted its first patient. It was America’s first hospital ship.

On this date in Missouri history, Potosi’s Moses Austin died and the task of settling and forming the new Republic of Texas fell to his son, Stephen Austin. 

Fossil Forge is one of the premier neon sign makers in the nation. A signature of Fossil Forge’s work is the attention to detail.

On this date in Missouri history, a huge fire burned the northeast corner of the Square in Springfield.

Following the Missouri Life magazine quarterly staff meeting at the publication's office in Rocheport on Friday, June 3, the group toured Warm Springs Reach, one of the homes of the Budweiser Clydesdales.

As the owner of The Salty Hippo in Chillicothe, Amy Jackson combines state of-the-art screen-printing equipment, top-drawer graphic design talent, and inspiration from Mother Nature. The resulting fabric designs, coveted by quilters and other fabric artists, cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Negro League and Major League pitching great Satchel Paige died on this date in Kansas City at the age of 75. 

On this date in Missouri history, Missouri adds land with the Platte Purchase. As a result, the state's northwest corner grew by more than 3,100 square miles

On this date in Missouri history, the Drake Constitution is ratified. The new Missouri state constitution had provisions that were at odds with the US Constitution.

On this date in Missouri history, the American Bullfrog was selected as our state amphibian.

Twenty years ago today, the Missouri Fox Trotter was chosen as our official state horse.

In the mid 1870s, trillions of Rocky Mountain locusts descended on the Great Plains and devoured everything in their path, even blacking out the sky at times. Churches reported having daylong prayer services to stop the plague.

These days, the street that Cameron residents know as Chestnut runs parallel to Highway 69, but back then, Chestnut was part of a grand transportation endeavor known as the Jefferson Highway.

On this date in history, Red Chaney, the Springfield entrepreneur who invented the drive-through window, dies. For 38 years he operated Red’s Giant Hamburg on Route 66.

Springfield restaurant La Habana Vieja, which is named after Old Havana in the capital city of Cuba, features a menu that focuses on traditional Cuban favorites. Co-owned by Ted Tabor and Freddie Flores, the restaurant celebrates its first anniversary this month.

On this date in Missouri history, the first nurses to graduate from Lincoln University were pinned. 

On this date in Missouri history, the Missouri mule is named Missouri’s official state animal.

The 1973 film adaptation of Tom Sawyer, filmed entirely on location in Missouri, featured some very grand female stars, including one that was uncredited yet central to the story.

Vincent Price is born in St. Louis. One of America’s best-known character actors was born into a wealthy and influential family, with little indication of the type of fame that was to come.

On this date in Missouri history, Worlds of Fun amusement park opens.

On this date in Missouri history, Glen Echo Country Club opens.

Summer is upon us, and it’s time to start planning adventures. Whether you’re in the mood for an outdoor concert, a weekend chock full of festivities to celebrate America, or a test of your athleticism, Jefferson City has the perfect event to round out your summer experience.

On this date in Missouri history, an EF5 tornado devastates Joplin, killing at least 158 people.

On this date in Missouri history, Jackie Robinson makes his debut in St. Louis at Sportman’s Park.

On this date in history, Charles Lindbergh departs for Paris in the Spirit of Louis.

On this date in Missouri history, the Great St. Louis Riverfront Fire raged, eventually destroying more than 400 buildings and changing the face of the city.

Powerful thunderstorms moved through our area on the night of May 22, 1962. As threatening weather passed, my father went outside, came back in later, and said, “I heard something, and I don’t think it was thunder.”

At around 9:20 PM, the peace in the Missouri/Iowa border town of Unionville, Missouri was shattered by a loud, explosive boom. It wasn’t thunder.

Elvis Presley performs at the Shrine Mosque in downtown Springfield after briefly disappearing.

On this date in Missouri history, Mark McGwire hits the longest home run in Busch Stadium II history at 545 feet.

Stand at the east end, and you’ll see a chocolate factory next door to a 125-year-old family-owned hardware store, both facing railroad tracks laid more than 150 years ago. At the west end a half-mile away, there’s a craft brewery on one side of the street—and a boxing gym, tattoo shop, vintage boutique, mountain bike service shop, and pub on the other.

A country festival with skilled Missouri artisan cheesemakers as the main attraction is ready to begin a three-day run May 20-May 22 at McKelvey Vineyards at 8901 Highway YY near New Haven in Franklin County.

On this date in history, the Lewis and Clark Expedition—also known as the Voyage of Discovery—sets out across Missouri to explore the lands west of the Mississippi.

Who knew? Bell Systems announces that car phones will make their nationwide debut in St. Louis.

Lawrence Berra took on the nickname “Yogi” because his friends thought he resembled a Hindu holy man they had seen in a movie.

On this date in Missouri history, the U.S. Census Bureau moved the “Population Center of the United States” is to Plato, Missouri.

Overlooking the Missouri River in Jefferson City sits a looming landmark: the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP). Decommissioned in 2004, the penitentiary operated for 168 years, cementing Jefferson City as the state capital in addition to creating its own dark yet intriguing history. 

With more than 6,400 recorded caves, including twenty show caves that are open to the public for guided tours, travelers and spelunkers around the world know Missouri as The Cave State.

On this date in Missouri history, African American entrepreneur Annie Pope Malone dies. She grew her small business into a household name in the early 1900s, making her one of the wealthiest women in St. Louis.

Her face practically fills the frame. You can see every freckle—and the determination in her eyes. She’s Abby, a twenty-two-year-old with Down syndrome who wishes servers wouldn’t offer her a kid’s menu. She’s a homecoming queen working at her old high school and dreaming of going to college and getting married.

For dozens of young women in the Sikeston area, the prom experience begins in Leilani Smith’s garage.

Mastodon bones are discovered in Missouri. Although the exact date of discovery is unknown, it was around this day that a farmer near current-day Imperial found large fossils that he wanted inspected.

On this date in Missouri history, the St. Louis Motor Carriage Company is founded.

On this date in Missouri history, Mickey Carroll dies at the age of 89. Although you may not remember the name, you will certainly remember the character he played.

On this date in Missouri history, Kansas City unveils its new streetcar system.

Should you be so lucky as to meet Neil Heimsoth at his studio in Cole Camp or at one of the events hosted there, especially one showcasing the town’s German heritage, you may notice he is always smiling and telling a joke.

A glowing pink popsicle highlights the new sign of an innovative dessert shop in downtown Branson. Since opening Mainstreet Pops (formerly Dreamsicle’s) in 2017, Brooke and Rodger Jones have cultivated a bright, energetic atmosphere with colorful decor that matches their festive frozen treats.

If a locavore-centric restaurant that serves multicourse flights inspires your food-loving soul, Bulrush is a destination worth exploring. The restaurant, located in midtown St. Louis on Washington Boulevard, brings together historical Ozarks food and the creative culinary techniques of Chef/Owner Rob Connley.

On this date in Missouri history, tornadoes rip through the Show-Me State, killing nearly two dozen people in southwest Missouri as towns including Butterfield, Stockton, and Pierce City are hit especially hard.

Superior Garden Center is always excited when spring comes around to see what is rolling into our garden center. There are many new perennials on the market, but we want to share a few of the new and improved we are carrying for 2022.

Missouri Governor Claiborne Jackson makes the final decision to have state militia assemble at Camp Jackson near St. Louis. Jackson had told President Lincoln that he would not assemble troops to fight against the South.

On this date in history, the KATY train that ran across the state of Missouri made its final trips. The cars were packed with passengers who wanted to be among the final riders on the legendary rail line.

A meeting is held in Springfield to resolve a dispute over the numbering of the new highway being built through the city. After a compromise, the historic telegram is sent to Washington, D.C., with the new name: Route 66.

The Spirit of St. Louis is completed, and Charles Lindbergh takes it for a test flight. Although this flight happened in San Diego, there was significant attention paid to this flight in Missouri. The revolutionary monoplane that was destined to make the first transatlantic flight had been paid for mostly by families from St. Louis.

Glamorous camping—"glamping"—seemed to be right up my alley and in a way, it was how I could get the best of both worlds by enjoying the outdoors and nature, while also having the same luxuries offered at home.

A week before the first Sonic Summer Nights event in Versailles, organizer Travis Kurtz guessed there might be “forty to fifty, or as many as seventy-five” vehicles in the kickoff event, which also doubled as the Darrell Bias Memorial Cruise. You could say Travis was a tad bit off –on his estimate.

Gatsby Days is a highlight of arts and culture in Kansas City. Bank robbery reenactments, live jazz, poetry readings, window displays, a fashion walk, escape room games, and more allow you to explore the culture and history of the Golden Age at this annual event in downtown Excelsior Springs.

“Pet Plan 101: 5 Steps to prepare for an emergency, a disaster or your unexpected death” is a class to teach pet owners how to put an emergency plan into action.

Whether you are an avid antique collector or prefer to casually peruse, antique and vintage shopping in Jefferson City (JCMO) is a delightful experience for all involved. From curated décor to the quintessential comic book, the Capital City has you covered.

On this date in Missouri history, Ed Macauley becomes the youngest player ever inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame at age 32.

On this date in Missouri history, Broadcaster Joe Buck is born. Though he was born in Florida, Joe already had strong connections to sports broadcasting—specifically the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team—via his father, Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck.

The Hubble Space Telescope was named after Edwin Hubble, who grew up in Marshfield before becoming a world leader in astrophysics and known as the “Father of Modern Cosmology.”

On this date in Missouri history, James Earl Ray escapes from the Missouri State Penitentiary. He was doing 20 years for a robbery when he escaped in a bread truck.

Judging for the National History Day contest in Missouri is underway statewide as just under 500 students in grades 6 to 12 compete in this year’s virtual contest, which is themed Debate and Diplomacy in History.

Missouri River Relief is hosting Missouri River Days for the first time since 2019. This program provides fourth-graders from Columbia Public Schools with a field trip to the Missouri River, where they will get to experience its muddy waters aboard one of Missouri River Relief’s motorboats.

In this episode of the Mo’ Curious podcast, we learn about the dramatic 1939 sharecroppers strike in Mississippi County, Missouri.

The Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce invites you to explore and discover the Ozark Trail. Here is one native Ozarkian's experience.

On this date in Missouri history, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is established. The battle, the first in Missouri’s long Civil War history, took place on August 10, 1861, west of Springfield.

On this date in history, the first polio vaccine arrives in Missouri.

Missouri Life magazine book review: How often do you stop and consider what’s going on in the minds of other drivers surrounding you out on the road?

On this date in Missouri history, Thousands of bowling fans attend the groundbreaking for the International Bowling Hall of Fame.

On this date in Missouri history, the St. Louis Blues are sold by Ralston Purina to a group in Saskatchewan for $12 million. Fans were shocked and the NHL tried to block the deal, which eventually fell through.

Historic Downtown Parkville may be one of the Kansas City area’s best kept secrets. Located fifteen minutes northwest of downtown Kansas City and fifteen minutes south of the Kansas City airport, downtown Parkville offers local dining, shopping, and scenic parks with miles of walking trails set alongside the Missouri River.

On this date in Missouri history: The Green Switch Celebration is held in Rock Port, Missouri. The small town on the windswept plains of northwest Missouri became the first community in Missouri to generate 100 percent of its electricity from wind power.

On this date in Missouri history: Fountain Day begins in Kansas City, which ranks behind only Rome, Italy, in the number of fountains in one city.

On this date in Missouri history, Henry Smith Pritchett is born on a farm in Fayette. His father was a brilliant professor and college president, Carr Walter Pritchett, who was director of the Morrison Observatory.

Thomas Hart Benton is born in Neosho, Missouri. He became one of the most famous artists in America in the 1900s and helped develop the regionalist movement, which exposed lives of average Americans in the Midwest to a larger audience.

Missouri Life Magazine’s Big BAM (Bicycle Across Missouri) will ride across Route 66 in June. The upcoming annual six-day recreational ride across our state will be hosted by the following towns: Joplin, Willard, Lebanon, Waynesville, Rolla, Cuba, and Eureka.  

The National Park Service (NPS) has introduced a new way to experience Missouri’s beloved treasures – our national parks – with the National Park Service Wellness Challenge.

On this date in Missouri history, the State Park Fund is created to develop Missouri state parks.

Traditional values—from embracing small businesses and “Made in America products” to building communities—are at the heart of Dutch Country General Store’s practice of nurturing relationships with customers and vendors.

On this date in Missouri sports history, the Kansas City Royals play their first game ever, beating the Minnesota Twins 4-3 in 12 innings.

As the home of man’s best friend, the Warrensburg Farmers’ Market is one of the few Markets that allows you to even bring your four-legged family members to enjoy the morning walk and conversations.

On this date in Missouri history, Democratic political boss Tom Pendergast is indicted on income tax charges.

On this date in Missouri history, Governor Mike Parson issues a "Shelter in Place" order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

A new exhibit featuring the 200-plus year evolution of Missouri style and the important role of its apparel industry is on display at the State Historical Society of Missouri Art Gallery now through the end of June in Columbia, Mo.

Exploring Missouri’s German Heritage, a documentary produced by Missouri Life Media, premieres on April 28 at Stone Hill Winery.

Bob Yapp bought his first house while he was still in high school and conveniently forgot to tell his parents about the purchase. He eventually confessed to his parents, and forgiveness came quickly when he told them about his $60,000 profit.

Experts agree it is important to incorporate Missouri native plants into whatever garden you tend, even if there isn’t room for an extravagant setup.

Warmer weather means St. Louisans will soon pack area farmers’ markets. Don’t feel like cooking? There’s a new pizzeria and a gas station with surprising food options open in Maplewood and Fenton, respectively.

On this date in Missouri history, the citizens of St. James elect the first female mayor in the state.

On this day in Missouri history, the third version of Busch Stadium opens in St. Louis.

Missouri History Today is a daily post that chronicles important events and dates in the Show-Me State.

Missouri History Today is a daily post by Missouri Life magazine about an event or date important for the Show-Me State.

Missouri History Today is a daily post that chronicles important dates and events in the Show-Me State.

Missouri History Today chronicles important dates for the Show-Me State.

Missouri History Today chronicles important dates for the Show-Me State.

On this date in Missouri history.

Springfield golfer Horton Smith wins the first-ever Masters. He pulled through with a one-stroke victory in the four-day tournament.

The Office debuts on NBC with Missouri-tied actors among the cast.

Whether the latest addition is a brand expansion or a rebranding, one thing’s for certain: there’s now even more to experience with with three lodging and event rental options that make Les Bourgeois—that is, The Blufftop at Rocheport—an even more enticing destination. The Blufftop team has worked for a few years now to put the winery, distillery, bistro, restaurant, and lodging experience all under one umbrella: The Blufftop at Rocheport.

Byron Smith’s family has lived in Boone County near Columbia for generations, and his landscapes express not only the beauty of the local architecture and countryside, but also the artist’s strong ancestral connections.

What started as a simple trip to the grocery store has morphed into a calling for Tyrean “Heru” Lewis.

Just as the restored early 19th-century structure at The Ozark Mill at Finley Farms honors the community’s heritage, the lunch and dinner menus at the restaurant pay homage to regional foods and recipes.

Governor Elliot Major signs legislation officially recognizing the state flag, created by Marie Watkins Oliver, who became known as "Missouri's Betsy Ross."

A murder mystery cocktail lounge, heart-themed art, New York-style pizza, and more in Kansas City. This is the City Scout report for April 2022, produced exclusively for missourilife.com.

Birthday of "The Missouri Artist," George Caleb Bingham.

Wildwood is one of the last remnants of this piece of true Americana, even pre-dating Route 66. So do yourself and your family a favor and give them this iconic experience to remember for the rest of their lives.

Saint Louis University wins the national basketball championship. In the years before the NCAA Tournament and March Madness, college basketball's champion was crowned at the National Invitational Tournament (NIT).

There is an enchanted garden tucked away on a county road in southeast Missouri. Pinecrest Azalea Gardens makes a breathtaking and blissful first impression. My family and I visited the gardens for the first time just before Mother’s Day in May 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Along with its historic portfolio, Jefferson City, Missouri has much to explore in the rolling hills that surround the incredible Missouri River. For those feeling a strenuous bike ride or a casual stroll, JCMO has activities for every level of outdoor enthusiast.

Columbia native Sam Walton is presented with the Medal of Freedom from President George H.W. Bush. The Hickman High School and Mizzou alum founded Walmart in 1962 and had become the richest man in America by 1985.

Henry Blosser was three generations removed from his Swiss ancestors, but that didn’t stop the nineteenth-century land speculator from celebrating his heritage when he and his wife, Sarah, built their dream home in 1878 on 640 acres near the town of Malta Bend.
The Blosser family came and went, and time leeched away the color and life from the home. A restoration of historic proportions is now complete.

On this date in Missouri history, celebrations are held for the final section of Route 66 to be paved in Missouri. It was a big party in downtown Rolla, as an estimated 8,000 people turned out to commemorate the completion of Route 66 across Missouri.

On this date in Missouri history, legislators pass a bill which reads, “all free persons of color had to apply for a freedom license.” That law meant that not only did African Americans have to apply for freedom, but they also had to prove they met the requirements to be free, which was nearly impossible.

On this date in history: The Beatles made their first concert appearance in St. Louis. They appeared in Kansas City on September 17.

The Budweiser team of Pat Patterson, Ray Bluth, Don Carter, Tom Hennessey, and Dick Weber rolled the greatest series in bowling history, a record that stood for 35 years. On lanes seven and eight at Floriss Lanes (Warne at W. Florissant), they finished with a three-game total of 3,858 pins.

On this day in Missouri history, the Admiral riverboat opens again on the Mississippi River. The popular attraction along the St. Louis riverfront arrived in 1940 and stopped cruising in the late 1970s when it was grounded by the Coast Guard for structural weakness.

There are stories in the March/April 2022 issue of Missouri Life magazine that celebrate gardening, and frankly, that makes me uneasy. I’m afraid my proximity to successful gardeners might somehow blight their efforts.

On this day in history, Missouri’s Supreme Court ends deliberations on “Blue Laws,” which prohibit shopping on Sunday. According to the 137-year-old law, the only items that stores were able to sell were “articles of immediate necessity.”

Roaring River State Park is beloved for its trout fishing but named for its preternaturally turquoise spring, which flows from the base of a towering, U-shaped bluff. At the viewing platform, its shadowy mouth is hauntingly beautiful, dappled with light and the shadows from hanging ferns. On average, the spring produces an unfathomable 20.4 million gallons of water per day.

Ella Ewing, the “Missouri Giantess,” was born. She grew to be the world’s tallest woman of her time, reaching 8-feet, 4-inches.

The Missouri State Penitentiary gets its first prisoner. Wilson Edison made history as the first inmate to be checked into the new prison in Jefferson City. He had the place to himself for a week until inmate number two showed up.

Winston Churchill gives his "Iron Curtain" speech at Westminster College in Fulton. Churchill used the phrase "Iron Curtain" to define the division between Western nations and Soviet powers.

Jean Harlow, the original "blonde bombshell," was born in Kansas City. She was famous for pinup posters, movies, and her ability to make front-page news in Hollywood magazines.

James Polk’s presidency ended on March 3. Zachary Taylor had been elected to succeed Polk. March 3 was on a Sunday and Taylor’s religious convictions would not allow him to swear the oath of office. Therefore, with Polk’s term ended and Taylor refusing to be sworn in, David Rice Atchison became president. (Or so it seemed.)

The Kansas City school board agrees to hire married women to teach. Though many women were already teaching, school districts across the state had barred married women from the jobs, so they could focus on duties at home. As of 2019, more than 80 percent of teachers nationwide were women.

"City Scout: Kansas City" is a monthly roundup looking ahead at events, noteworthy dining options, and more in the metro area.

St. Louis City Scout is a monthly roundup of some of the most noteworthy events and news in the city. In this edition of St. Louis City Scout: The Major League Soccer stadium under construction at Market and 20th streets in St. Louis City now has a name: Centene Stadium. St. Louis City SC and Centene Corp., based out of Clayton, made a fifteen-year deal for the stadium’s naming rights.

The first parachute jump from an airplane takes place in St. Louis. U.S. Army Captain Albert Berry made history when he got into an airplane, took off from Kinloch Field, and then jumped out over Jefferson Barracks Army Base.

Masten Gregory, "The Kansas City Flash," was born in Kansas City on February 29, 1932. As a driver on Europe’s top racing circuits during the sport’s deadliest years, Masten became known for high-speed bailouts when faced with a major crash.

On the heels of a season halted by the COVID pandemic, the 2021 MINK League season was especially important as a comeback year, as the teams returned to action, staged promotions to entertain fans, and put some ready-for-prime-time, pro-level skills on display.

The MINK summer collegiate baseball league has six teams in Missouri and two in Iowa, taking care of the M and I in the league name. League Commissioner Ron Rodriquez is hopeful that, soon, the latter part of the league name, N and K, will again represent teams from Nebraska and Kansas.

The M*A*S*H finale ends with Missouri storylines. The television series was based on an award-winning movie directed by Kansas City’s Robert Altman and included local storytellers, from references to Independence, Mo.’s President Harry S. Truman and lead character Col. Sherman Potter reminiscing about his home in Hannibal.

On this date in Missouri history: Missouri lawmakers kickstart “Plank Road Mani.” The biggest, longest, and most planked road in America, the Missouri Plank Road, eventually stretched more than 42 miles, running from Sainte Genevieve through Farmington to Iron Mountain.

On this date in Missouri history: The Missouri Supreme Court rules that concealed weapons are constitutional.

Sikeston, Missouri, knows how to put on a party, and the 9th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Home Brew Competition at American Legion Park on March 14 more than fits the expectation.

H&R Block is founded in Kansas City by Richard and Henry Bloch. Their small tax preparation firm went on to become one of the largest accounting firms in the world.

BRANSON—Irish fairy fantasy cottages have taken root at the Titanic Museum and will remain visible to visitors during the attraction’s March tribute to the 187 Irish passengers and crew on the Titanic.

Emmy-Winner Cat Neville is joining the Explore St. Louis team as vice president of communications on March 14, 2022. In this capacity, Cat will guide Explore St. Louis’ media relations and communications activities in collaboration with their marketing, sales and operations teams.

On this date in Missouri history, Lindenwood College is chartered as a women’s college. The university at St. Charles was incorporated by a special act of the Missouri Legislature as the Lindenwood College for Women, making it the oldest women’s college in the “West.”

People who view the glass as half empty might be tempted to dwell on the negative repercussions of the pandemic. But those who view the glass as half full, however—like clay artist Katie Simmon—know the pandemic didn’t forever change the world without a little serendipity, too.

On this date in Missouri history, the Environmental Protection Agency announces its intent to buy all of Times Beach and evacuate the town. After concluding that all the land in the town was contaminated with dioxin, government agencies spent nearly $40 million to buy out the 800 properties.

Robert Wadlow was born in St. Louis. He grew to be 9 feet, 11 inches tall—the tallest man in recorded history. 

Benton County, MO is the place to explore and find new adventures this year. With access to two of Missouri's largest lakes—Truman Lake and the Osage Arm of Lake of the Ozarks—it makes for a great family vacation and is only a short drive from most major cities. You’ll find no shortage of things to do with options for hiking, biking, golfing, dining, shopping, boating, fishing, camping, taking in history and events.

Missouri is home to three stops on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail which tells the stories of people and institutions that sought equal rights for all.

Albert Pujols signs a $100 million, seven-year deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. One of the top players of the 21st century and of all time, Pujols proved his value for 11 seasons, winning three National League MVP awards. But he shocked fans after the 2011 World Series title when he left St. Louis for a 10-year, $254-million contract with the Los Angeles Angels.

On this date in Missouri history: The first Mardi Gras celebration is held in Soulard. St. Louis now has the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the country, trailing only New Orleans.

The 2022 edition of Missouri Life magazine’s Big BAM (Bicycle Across Missouri) will take place along Route 66 from June 12-18,starting in Joplin and ending in Eureka. More than 100 cyclists have already registered for the adventure.

The city of Pacific is incorporated after changing its name from Franklin. With two towns in the state called Franklin, there were issues with mail and train service, as both towns were right along the rails.

This date in Missouri history: The U.S. House passed the Missouri Compromise which meant that Missouri could become a state along with Maine.  

On this date in Missouri history: The State Lunatic Asylum, now known as Fulton State Hospital, is approved to open in Fulton. Missouri legislators wanted to address the problems of housing and treating people with mental health issues, many of whom were dangers to themselves and others.

Union Station Kansas City has expanded the hours of its Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away. exhibit for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning February and running through March 19, 2022. Union Station officials announced the expanded hours as a response to public demand. he exhibition features artifacts and materials—never before seen in North America—on loan from more than twenty institutions and private collections around the world.

St. LOUIS—A homeschool student from Granite City and a trio of homeschool students from Ferguson are the winners of the 12th annual St. Louis Teen Talent Competition. The $8,000 first place prize went to Aubory Bugg, vocalist and guitarist, and Trifecta, made up of Dennis Bailey, Eliot Bailey, and Ethan Ryan.

Missouri River Relief is debuting its new “Missouri River Scientists” traveling trunk education program, partnering with Columbia Public Schools to launch the initiative.

Teachers at Columbia Public Schools will have the first opportunity to bring “Missouri River Scientists” into their classrooms as a fun new way to explore the recovery and management of the endangered Pallid Sturgeon.

You may not know the name, Fred Geary, but this Carroll County artist was a nationally important graphic designer in the first half of the twentieth century. He created an impressive body of fine-art woodcuts and wood engravings that are found in museums and libraries across the United States. 

February 15, 1978 – St. Louis boxer Leon Spinks defeats “The Greatest,” Muhammad Ali, to win the undisputed heavyweight championship title in a split decision. It was only the eighth professional bout for Spinks.

Jamie McMurray of Joplin wins the Daytona 500. There have been a handful of NASCAR drivers hailing from Missouri, including the legendary Wallace family from Arnold, Carl Edwards Jr. from Columbia, Larry Phillips from Springfield, and Ken Schrader from Fenton, but McMurray is the only victorious at Daytona.

This date in Missouri history: The Negro National League is formed in Kansas City. The new league established teams across the Midwest and South, including baseball hotspots like St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Kansas City.

This date in Missouri history: Missouri native J.C. Penney dies at the age of 91. James Cash Penney was a Missouri business icon who changed the retail industry while also changing millions of lives around the world.

Missouri Life magazine's new editor-in-chief, Sandy Selby, greets readers through the My Missouri Life column.
I popped up from my nest of pillows and books in the back of the family station wagon and announced, “I’m going to live in Missouri when I grow up.” I made that declaration at age nine as my family traveled from our home in northeastern Oklahoma to Branson for a vacation.

Very few businesses like 1984 still exist compared to the more than ten thousand pinball and video game arcades that were in the United States during the ‘80s. So, playing original pinball and video game machines in Springfield is a rare experience.

Birth of Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, the only child ever depicted on a U.S. coin. He was born to Sacajawea during the Voyage of Discovery with Lewis and Clark. Jean Baptiste came to St. Louis for his education. He had fantastic adventures in the western U.S., Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.

On this date in Missouri history: Julia Soulard begins giving land to the city of St. Louis for use as a public market. Ownership of those two blocks was put into question with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, but Julia was recognized as the owner after a decades-long dispute. The area gave rise to what today is Soulard Market.

Julia Soulard begins giving land to the city of St. Louis for use as a public market. Ownership of those two blocks was put into question with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, but Julia was recognized as the owner after a decades-long dispute. The area gave rise to what today is Soulard Market.

After breakfast, 47-year-old Missouri Gov. Thomas Reynolds shut himself inside his office in the Governor’s Mansion and shot himself in the head. He won the governor’s office in 1840. Reynolds previously stablished a successful law practice in Fayette and served as Speaker of the House. He was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Jefferson City.

T/F is excited to be back in downtown Columbia, MO for its annual festival. All weekend, a selection of the year’s best nonfiction films will be projected on screens throughout The District. And that’s not all—there will also be concerts, immersive art installations, and late night parties.

The first TV station begins broadcasting in St. Louis. KSD was one of only 13 TV stations operating across the country at the time.

Wilbur C. Sweatman was born in Brunswick, MO. Sweatman was an African American ragtime and dixieland jazz composer, band leader, and clarinetist. In the late 1890’s, Sweatman became famous for playing three clarinets at once.

Two groups with distinct cultures emerged from our region’s first residents to dominate this land. Worshipful and warlike on an untouched landscape, the Osage and the Missouria did more than live here. For centuries, they ruled.

Marble Cave gets national exposure on the cover of Scientific American magazine. Now called Marvel Cave, Missouri’s deepest known cave has a grand cavern so large that promoters inflated hot air balloons inside to showcase the size of the natural wonder.

This date in Missouri history: The “Bandit Queen,” Belle Starr, was born in Carthage, Missouri. She was probably the most infamous of all the pistol-packin’ mamas of those days.

February in St. Louis: Indie bookstore opens, SLAM reopens, Mardi Gras time, and Steinberg Ice Rink's final weeks for skating.

Missouri Life magazine presents City Scout: Kansas City, a recap of events and great eats in the K.C. area. This month: Mexican treats, German beers, an animated tour through jazz history, and more.

At the old Jail and Hanging Barn in Boonville, Lawrence Mabry climbed the 13 steps to the loft and was hanged for a killing in Pettis County. This was the last public hanging in Missouri. 

This day in Missouri history: Rocky Sickman, a hostage in Iran for 444 days came home to cheering crowds and a return to quiet Krakow, Missouri.

This date in Missouri history: Magician Harry Houdini introduced his famous “Milk Can Escape” while performing at the Columbia Theatre in St. Louis.

In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that separate-but-equal facilities like schools were unconstitutional. This led to the closure of the school perched on the hillside in Dalton. After the 1956 school year, active Dalton students attended now-integrated schools in their hometowns.
Now seemed like a great time to gather memories of Dalton Vocational School from the shrinking pool of aging alumni. This podcast tells the story of Dalton Vocational School—Missouri's "Little Tuskegee"—in the former students' own words. 

This date in Missouri history: One of the most famous guests in St. Louis history, Pope John Paul II, touched down at Lambert Airport for a 31-hour visit. The Pope was greeted by President Bill Clinton.

The story is familiar, replicated by scores of people living and working in Missouri in the 1800s. It goes something like this: a person starts from humble beginnings, takes big risks in moving west to pursue new opportunities, starts simple and builds a trade or business, employs many people, offers essential products or services that make life possible, and in the end not only enjoys success but becomes a benefactor for the common good.
Those stories are common. What is rare is a person who was born into slavery and then did all those things, like Hiram Young.

Here are a few great new tree and shrub varieties to look for in 2022. 

This date in Missouri history. Planning work began on a road to connect Manchester with Jefferson City by way of Union and Mount Sterling. This road became well-traveled by horseback and stagecoach travelers. Today we call it Highway 50.

Today in Missouri history. Economist Henry L. Call was speaking at the Opera House in Monett. He told how economic panics could be avoided in the future. Tickets cost 15 cents and included a copy of Mr. Call’s newest book as a gift from the Monett Free Library.

This date in Missouri history. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra played its first-ever concert on the night after the St. Louis Theater was converted into Powell Hall, renamed for local businessman Walter Powell when his widow donated $1 million for it to be refurbished as the home for the symphony.

When the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened its doors in Cleveland, its first class consisted of the stars who music historians considered the best of the best. St. Louis native Chuck Berry was among the first inductees, along with Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

This date in Missouri history: This was the last day to meet in the first capital building in St. Charles. All records were taken to Jefferson City by canoe.

Fifty years after Mary Gant became the first woman elected to the Missouri Senate, a record number 11 women now occupy nearly one-third of the 34 seats in the Senate chamber. That history is the fulcrum of a new book, You Can, Too! Journey to the Missouri Senate, presented by Missouri Humanities Council and published by Missouri Life Media.

The contemporary German restaurant Affäre is centered in the Crossroads Art District, not far from the Power and Light District in the heart of downtown Kansas City. Co-owned by the native German couple Martin and Katrin Heuser, Affäre is an innovative German restaurant that features seasonal, locally raised and grown ingredients.

True-crime thrillers, scandals and canine adventures are vying for your springtime reading pleasure.

The Henry Blosser House and Barn near Malta Bend had been abandoned and neglected for years when new owners Dr. Art and Carolyn Elman stepped in to preserve these architectural treasures. The project, led by acclaimed interior designer Kelee Katillac, took years of painstaking effort by a team of preservation experts. The result is a masterpiece where conscientious conservation and spectacular design intersect.

This date in Missouri history. A tragic day for Missouri’s wineries and breweries: Alcoholic drinks were prohibited across the nation. Then came stills in the hills.

The Missouri Reform School was founded at Boonville. (Its existence would be used as a common childhood threat for generations to come.)

On this date in Missouri history: The University of Missouri played its very first basketball game defeating Central Methodist. The overall record that year was 10-6 including two wins over Kansas. 

Why bother with imagining the future at all? The future is a place to project our hopes, along with our doubts and uncertainties. We invite you to imagine the future as you’d most like to see it, and to think about what Missourians living in the present day can do to reach that imaginary destiny.

Since Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation did not cover Missouri, the state’s Constitutional Convention voted on this day to abolish slavery in Missouri. Missouri was the first former slave state to do so.

This quick and easy recipe for St. Louis style toasted ravioli is perfect for your next party or potluck.

Looking to get away and explore some natural beauty this winter? Look no further than Missouri! Whether you prefer a cabin, treehouse or villa, Missouri has accommodations for any interest or budget.

This date in Missouri history: Employees taking down the World’s Fair in 1905 discovered the fine qualities of the snow-covered hill in front of what is now the St. Louis Art Museum. It proved to be a great place for toboggans. Today’s sledders look for every opportunity to use Art Hill for the same purpose.

Like most staff members at Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO), Crystal Schuster wears multiple hats, juggling duties from managing the medals and awards stand at events to being a key part of SOMO’s fundraising team. SOMO supports programs and athletic competition for nearly seventeen thousand Missouri athletes with intellectual disabilities. Now in her sixteenth year with SOMO, Crystal’s primary role as development director is working with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Missouri’s ninety-two state parks and historic sites provide opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round, from camping and hiking to bicycling and horseback riding. But some of Missouri’s parks offer unique experiences best enjoyed in cold weather. The bugs (and crowds) are gone, the vegetation has gone dormant, and maybe, just maybe, there’s snow on the ground. Here are five cool Missouri state parks for winter exploration.

Bloomsdale is a small town of about five hundred. It’s thirty minutes northeast of Farmington, but The Kozy, 710 Highway 61, and its sister restaurant, ninety-five-year-old Dew Drop Inn serve around fourteen thousand customers a month.

Theaters in Columbia were showing “motion pictures” and a campaign against showing these silent dramas was being carried on by the women’s organizations of Columbia and of the University. A vigilance committee to discourage the showing of the plays had been appointed and the fraternity men were organizing to oppose them.

A merchant in Ozark County reported that the drought had destroyed the grain and vegetable crops and some families were “subsisting almost entirely upon acorns.”

In Brookline near Springfield, the Young Gang shot six police officers dead. Six gang members were involved as well as two other gunmen. One of those was believed to be “Pretty Boy Floyd.” When finally cornered, the gang shot themselves rather than surrender.

Landlords in Butler, Pemiscot, New Madrid, and Dunklin counties evicted hundreds of sharecroppers (black and white) who then moved their possessions onto the roadways of Highways 60 and 61.

This year we're bringing our cross-state ride, Big BAM, to the Katy Trail! We'll kick off in St. Charles on October 6, then camp in Hermann, Jefferson City, Boonville, Sedalia, and finally end in Pleasant Hill on October 11.

The May Company announced the construction of the Southtown Famous-Barr, a massive, three-story department store being built at the corner of Chippewa Street and Kingshighway Boulevard in south St. Louis.

Marlin Perkins, host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom and director of the St. Louis Zoo, was bitten by a Gaboon viper and became one of only a few people to ever survive such a bite. 

The story about a New Year’s Eve spur-of-the-moment fish fry with fifty or more people showing up at our house is one of those “I remember when” trips down memory lane that might have faded road signs, considering the trip goes back an eon or two to December 31, 1974.

I remember when …

St. Louisans may not have visions of sugar-plums dancing in their heads this Christmas and New Year's season. Instead, dreams will be filled with artisan toasted ravioli.

A wine festival, winter hikes, photography exhibit, and more are all set for the Kansas City metro area. Check out the opportunities!

The steamboat Amaranth arrived in St. Louis carrying cholera. The city was bulging with people waiting for Spring so they could head west in the 1849 Gold Rush. The cholera spread quickly and one out of every ten people in the city died. 

Charles Lindbergh was turned down by his boss, William B. Robertson, for help in financing his solo Trans-Atlantic flight. He already had $1,000 from Albert Bond Lambert. The Post-Dispatch also turned Lindy down, but business leaders Harry Hall Knight and Harold Bixby would say yes.

A carrier of the US Mail said that he was near Rocheport on this day when two men with drawn pistols stopped him and forced him to drink a bottle of whiskey before he moved on. (What do you think?)

W. J. Catron of Neosho lived above the Big Spring. On this morning he went to get a bucket of water and stepped off his porch onto a sheet of ice. He slid head-first to the bottom of his hill and then off the bluff falling 12 feet to the path below, landing on his head.  No serious injuries but a bad way to start the day.

Jolly old Jesse James dressed as Santa Claus for his two children, Jesse Jr., age 6, and Mary, age 2. It was to be Jesse's last Christmas.

The first train ran on the first railroad west of the Mississippi River, the Pacific Railroad of Missouri from St. Louis to Cheltenham, a distance of five miles.  (Cheltenham is now known as the Dogtown Neighborhood and is right across from the zoo.) 

Missouri Life magazine has added three new members to its staff to bring readers a look at the people, culture, artwork, food, and stories that define the Show-Me State.

Passing by a familiar corner on one of this southwest Missouri town’s major thoroughfares, Ozark residents may wonder how anyone ever managed to turn an old street into bountiful gardens. 

George Olds, editor of Springfield’s weekly news journal, Bias, commented on an unexpected impact of manufactured artificial Christmas trees. He claimed that back in the “primitive days,” when you told someone you had bought a Christmas tree, no one asked, “What color was it?"

This date in Missouri history: Nostradamus, the Mayan calendar, and others predicted that on this day, 12-21-12, the world would end.  (Congratulations if you are reading this!) 

Birthday of actress, singer, and pin-up girl, Betty Grable from St. Louis.  Lloyds of London insured her legs for $1 million.

C.C. McCallon’s clothing store in West Plains was robbed by Ma Barker’s gang.  It was noted that they took over $2,000 worth of clothing and only the latest fashions.

This date in Missouri history: The steamboat Alice Gray exploded her boiler and sank at Rocheport.

The mayor of St. Louis approved plans to appoint 5,000 auxiliary police officers to help in the event of nuclear attack.  Their jobs would be to patrol devastated areas.

Hi, friends. Mo here. If you're starting to get restless, you're not alone. Even if temperatures are dropping, you can always find your M-O in Missouri. Getting outside is one of the best ways to conquer cabin fever. Here are some of my favorite places for a wintry mix of fun and fresh air

The Taum Sauk Reservoir collapsed sending a fifteen-foot-tall wall of water and mud into the valley below and destroying the Johnson Shut-Ins State Park.

In our second episode, we delve into the history of communes and utopian communities in Missouri.

Explore nature, visit art galleries and museums, and eat plenty of pancakes in Kirksville.

This is the birthday of Joseph Rutherford Walker, one of the greatest of all the westward explorers and a Missourian from Independence.

Missouri’s “separate but equal” policy was struck down in the U.S. Supreme Court and Lloyd Gaines was admitted to the University of Missouri Law School.

Robert Pankey of Eldorado Springs was a model youth. He was said to never swear, smoke, or touch liquor. But, on this day, he held up the Bank of Washburn and took $12,850.

The 2021 Christmas Country Church Tour, set for December 16-17, encompasses more than thirty churches in tiny hamlets, villages, and towns spread across Perry, Bollinger, Ste. Genevieve and Cape Girardeau counties in southeastern Missouri, and one in Kaskaskia, Ill. All but three of the church buildings are more than 100 years old; three churches recently celebrated their 200th anniversaries. Each church on the free, self-guided driving tour is staffed with volunteers eager to share information about the church’s history and traditions.

The St. Louis schools were overcrowded and the school board blamed the depression. They said the kids couldn’t find jobs so they were staying in school.

Stephen Johnson portrayed Santa Claus for about three decades before retiring from dressing as the jolly old elf three years ago. The Jefferson City man, now sixty-eight, sat as Santa since the 1980s.

When asked what he would say to someone who is hesitant to try cannabis as medicine, James J. said, “Give it a shot! It will surprise you how much it can help. Cannabis is better for your health versus being on meds.”

The Lebanon Rustic Republican reported that President William McKinley had received a barrel of big red apples from Absalom Nelson of Lebanon.