May 23, 1874
The Eads Bridge across the Mississippi was opened for pedestrians. This privately funded bridge cost five cents to cross or, for ten cents, you could stay and "promenade in the cool river breezes."
May 22, 1843
The first large wagon train (more than 1,000 people) left Independence for the Oregon Territory.
May 21, 1856
The Missouri State Teachers Association was founded in Columbia. It was one of the nation's first organization for teachers.
May 20, 1876
The St. Louis Globe merged with the St. Louis Democrat and, on this day, the first issue of the Globe-Democrat was sold.
May 19, 1923
A new advertising strategy involving planes spelling out words with smoke had been developed, and for the first time a skywriter was seen over St. Louis spelling out "Lucky Strike."
May 18, 1966
A plan was announced to shine some lights on the Gateway Arch. The project was completed thirty-five years later.
May 16, 1840
This was the birthday for James Milton Turner, a slave who went on to establish schools for blacks across the state. He was named by Grant as the first African-American to be an Ambassador.
May 14, 1804
The Lewis and Clark Expedition (the Voyage of Discovery) left St. Louis to explore the unknown west.
May 13, 1946
St. Louis became the first city in the nation to offer telephones in your car. A radio telephone was available for fifteen dollars a month.