Filmmaker Robert Altman is Born: February 20, 1925
The influential Filmmaker Robert Altman, known for films such as M*A*S*H and Nashville was born on this date in Kansas City, Missouri.
Francis Preston Blair Jr. is Born: February 19, 1821
Francis Preston Blair Jr., Missouri senator and soldier, was born on this date in 1821.
Huckleberry Finn is Published: February 18, 1885
Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was published. At first it was met with mixed to negative reviews, but it is now considered one of the greatest pieces of American literature.
Dr. Antoine Francois Saugrain is born: February 17, 1763
Antoine Saugrain, a French physician and scientist who played a significant role in the early history of St. Louis, was born on this date in 1763.
Leon Spinks Defeats Ali: February 15, 1978
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.
The Railroad Comes to St. Joseph: February 14, 1859
According to newspaper reports from the time, the first train to arrive in St. Joseph made its inaugural run today on the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad on this date in 1859.
Jesse James Robs a Bank in Liberty: February 13, 1866
Jesse James pulled off one of his first known bank robberies on this date in Missouri History.
Omar Bradley is Born: February 12, 1893
Omar Nelson Bradley was born in Clark on this date in 1893. The legendary WWII general and first-ever chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was born into a poor family who lived in Randolph County.
Governor Alexander Dockery is Born: February 11, 1845
February 11, 1845, is the birthday of Alexander Dockery, Governor and Congressman from Gallatin and Chillicothe.