February 29, 1817
This was the birthday of James Craig, Civil War General, lawyer, and railroad builder from Oregon, MO.
February 27, 1851
"Plank Road Mania" was running wild and the legislature passed bills funding forty nine different road building companies.
February 26, 1856
The side-wheel riverboat Sonora sank near Portland, Missouri. The dangerous spot where it sank is now known as Sonora Chute.
February 25, 1913
Legendary musician, music producer, and instructor, Mel Bay, was born in Bunker, MO. He gained fame in St. Louis then in 1947 he began to produce something new ñ ìhow toî books for musicians from his facility in Pacific, MO.
February 24, 1919
Birthday of hotel entrepreneur and sports enthusiast from Fairview, Missouri, John Q. Hammons.
February 23, 1803
Birthday of John A. Sutter. Sutter lived and farmed in the Westport-Independence area and later moved to California where he operated Sutter's Mill. His mill is where gold was discovered and had a huge effect on St. Louis, Westport, Independence, and St. Joseph.
February 22, 1817
Governor William Clark hosted a gala dinner, the first celebration of Washington's birthday in Missouri.
February 21, 1891
The Second Missouri Division, US Army was formed on this date. Their famous Taney County song, Houn’Dawg, told of a loyal and protective hound.
February 20, 1833
Legendary botanist, naturalist and medical doctor, George Engelmann, came to Missouri on this day. He did most of the work in establishing what is now the Missouri Botanical Garden for Henry Shaw.