The Jackson County Court convened for the first time. It contracted for the building of a two-room log courthouse which was completed that year and still stands today. Built by slaves, this old courthouse was the only one between Independence and the Pacific Ocean for forty years. It also served for several years as the office of Harry Truman when he was serving as a judge.

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.