Long distance telephone service began in Missouri. The first line ran between Jackson and Cape Girardeau. St. Louis-Hannibal and Columbia-Rocheport were connected within months.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.