On September 15, 1858, LaGrange College, now known as Hannibal-LaGrange University, opened as the LaGrange Male and Female Seminary in LaGrange, Missouri. In 1928, the citizens of Hannibal pledged $232,000 for the establishment of a Baptist college at Hannibal which became Hannibal-LaGrange University.

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.