The pillory and whipping post were established on this date as official forms of punishment in Missouri. The whipping post held a person in place while being lashed with a leather bull whip. The pillory held a person’s head and wrists while they endured humiliation or physical pain.

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.