May 2, 1861
Missouri Governor Claiborne Jackson makes the final decision to have state militia assemble at Camp Jackson near St. Louis. Jackson had told President Lincoln that he would not assemble troops to fight against the South.
May 1, 1958
On this date in history, the KATY train that ran across the state of Missouri made its final trips. The cars were packed with passengers who wanted to be among the final riders on the legendary rail line.
April 30, 1926
A meeting is held in Springfield to resolve a dispute over the numbering of the new highway being built through the city. After a compromise, the historic telegram is sent to Washington, D.C., with the new name: Route 66.
April 29, 1927
The Spirit of St. Louis is completed, and Charles Lindbergh takes it for a test flight. Although this flight happened in San Diego, there was significant attention paid to this flight in Missouri. The revolutionary monoplane that was destined to make the first transatlantic flight had been paid for mostly by families from St. Louis.
April 26, 1960
On this date in Missouri history, Ed Macauley becomes the youngest player ever inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame at age 32.
April 25, 1969
On this date in Missouri history, Broadcaster Joe Buck is born. Though he was born in Florida, Joe already had strong connections to sports broadcasting—specifically the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team—via his father, Hall of Fame broadcaster Jack Buck.
April 24, 1990
The Hubble Space Telescope was named after Edwin Hubble, who grew up in Marshfield before becoming a world leader in astrophysics and known as the “Father of Modern Cosmology.”
April 23, 1967
On this date in Missouri history, James Earl Ray escapes from the Missouri State Penitentiary. He was doing 20 years for a robbery when he escaped in a bread truck.
Living legacy: Missouri’s 1939 sharecroppers strike
In this episode of the Mo’ Curious podcast, we learn about the dramatic 1939 sharecroppers strike in Mississippi County, Missouri.
April 22, 1960
On this date in Missouri history, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield is established. The battle, the first in Missouri’s long Civil War history, took place on August 10, 1861, west of Springfield.