August 18, 1960

R. Buckminster Fuller designed something he called a geodesic dome and placed one in the Missouri Botanical Garden. Calling this one a "Climatron" he explained that it would last for a while but was not a permanent structure. It has been there now for over 50 years and seems able to stand for many more.  


August 17, 1927

Having arrived in town in the Spirit of St. Louis, Charles Lindbergh dedicated the new Municipal Airport in Kansas City. A crowd of 25,000 was on hand. 


Portrait of Thomas Hart Benton

August 16, 1817

The first duel between lawyers Thomas Hart Benton and Charles Lucas was fought on Bloody Island near St. Louis. At 30 paces both men were wounded.


Portrait of Geronimo with a bow and arrows

August 15, 1904

76 year old Geronimo was roping calves at the World's Fair on this day. He did very well and got a good round of applause from the audience.


August 14, 1936

It might have been a good idea to sleep on the porch or in the park. On this day the temperature in Kansas City was 113 degrees.


Kansas City Missouri

August 13, 1801

On this date the “Mother of Kansas City” was born. Bernice Therese Menard Chouteau and her husband Francois Chouteau came from St. Louis to establish a trading post in 1821. They were the first white settlers in what is now Kansas City.


Porter Wagoner

August 12, 1927

Country music legend Porter Wagoner was born in West Plains on this day. He worked for years in Springfield on Radio and TV.


Comet seemingly headed towards Earth

August 11, 1872

An astronomer predicted that a comet was coming and would hit St. Louis. Many people panicked and many left town. Young boys added to the problems by standing on street corners and occasionally yelling, "Here she comes!"


Meteorite piece

August 10, 1932

An 11.2 pound meteorite broke into pieces and hit Cass County, MO.


Annie Malone standing in front of a doorway

August 9, 1869

Birthday of Annie Malone, the founder of Poro University, Annie Malone Children's Home, and a cosmetic empire that made her America's first black millionaire. This St. Louis resident helped thousands of black women to earn financial security. Read more about her in Tales From Missouri and the Heartland.