Missouri’s new capitol building in Jefferson City caught fire. The fire was not extinguished for two days. It may have been caused by a cigar smoker in the building’s library. Read more about this in Tales From Missouri and the Heartland.

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.