This is the birthday of the “Father of Kansas City,” Francois Chouteau. In 1821 he established a trading post just east of what is now downtown. After a flood, he moved to what is now the downtown area.

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.