June 5, 1822

On this date Samuel T. Hawken arrived in St. Louis to begin making his famous Hawken’s Rifles—the favorite of mountain men and pioneers.

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.