St. Joseph

The Platte Purchase added St. Joseph and the northwestern corner of Missouri to the original state which had a straight line for its western border. The bill to approve the purchase was introduced by Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton.

Neither rain nor snow nor Comanche war parties could stop Francois Aubry, the Missouri speed demon, from delivering the mail in record time. His exploits were the stuff of legend, and the inspiration for the Pony Express.

Joseph Robidoux paid $8 for a license to run a ferry across the river at what is now St. Joseph.

Jesse James was shot dead by Robert Ford, who was secretly working with Missouri Governor Thomas T. Crittenden. The assassination took place in St. Joseph, Missouri.

The first railroad across the state was completed between Hannibal and St. Joseph. On this date the eastbound section was joined with the westbound section at Chillicothe.

News anchorman Walter Cronkite was born in  St. Joseph. He grew up in Kansas City until he was ten until he moved to Texas. You can learn more about his life here or by visiting the Walter Cronkite Memorial in St. Joseph. 

The Pony Express started its first run from St. Joseph. Read more about this in Tales From Missouri and the Heartland.