Missouri History Today

Missouri History Today September 10, 1909: Fire Ravages Westminster Hall, Leaves Columns

Hernando DeSoto’s party of exploration entered Missouri at what is now Ste. Genevieve.  They made camp that night near present day Farmington.  

Missouri History Today September 5, 1847: From Missouri Roots to Infamy: Jesse James Is Born

US Senator Thomas Eagleton was born in St. Louis. Outside of Missouri, he is most remembered for being the Democratic vice presidential nominee under George McGovern in 1972.

Cartoonist Mort Walker, creator of Beetle Bailey, and loyal University of Missouri Alum was born on this day. Beetle Bailey’s Camp Swampy was modeled after Missouri’s Camp Crowder where Mort Walker had been stationed.  

“The Children’s Poet,” Eugene Field was born on this day in St. Louis.  His boyhood home is now a the Eugene Field and Toy Museum at 634 South Broadway in St. Louis. 

Missouri History Today August 29, 1904: Olympic Games Begin In St. Louis

District Attorney Thomas C. Reynolds and editor of the St. Louis Democrat, Benjamin Gratz Brown, fought a duel on Bloody Island.  Brown was wounded, and Reynolds was unhurt.  Brown went on to become Governor of Missouri, and Reynolds went on to become the Confederate Governor of Missouri.

Missouri History Today August 22, 1876: Vote Fractures St. Louis City And County

Count Basie, born William James Basie on August 21, 1904, in Red Bank, New Jersey, was one of the most influential figures in jazz history.