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History of Missouri, USA
Journey back in time to Missouri, USA
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Missouri, USA.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Missouri
Missouri, the Show Me State, was first claimed by the French explorer La Salle for France in 1682. The United States acquired the land in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase, and in 1812 Congress formed most of what had been called Upper Louisiana into the Missouri Territory. Lewis and Clark began their historic expedition where the Missouri River empties into the Mississippi River just north of St. Louis.
discoverytrail.org
Missouri is known as the "Show Me State". The 'Show Me State' expression may have began in 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver stated, "I'm from Missouri and you've got to show me." 50states.com
"The state and the Missouri River are both named after the Missouri people, a southern Siouan tribe that lived along the river. Missouri comes from an Illinois language reference to the tribe, ouemessourita, which has been translated as "those who have dugout canoes,""wooden canoe people" or "he of the big canoe."" mentalfloss.com
discoverytrail.org
Missouri is known as the "Show Me State". The 'Show Me State' expression may have began in 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver stated, "I'm from Missouri and you've got to show me." 50states.com
"The state and the Missouri River are both named after the Missouri people, a southern Siouan tribe that lived along the river. Missouri comes from an Illinois language reference to the tribe, ouemessourita, which has been translated as "those who have dugout canoes,""wooden canoe people" or "he of the big canoe."" mentalfloss.com
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VINTAGE MISSOURI
Missouri Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Missouri, USA
Postcard
Main Street, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Missouri, USA
Postcard
Electric Park, Kansas City, Missouri
Missouri, USA
(IL) - Chicago Tribune, Chicago, Illinois
Missouri, USA
Postcard
Indian Mound Park, Hannibal, Mo.
Missouri, USA
Flag of Missouri
Adopted March 22, 1913
Adopted March 22, 1913
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to MISSOURI
MISSOURI BBQ and River Floats Coffee Mug - I'm from Missouri!
Show off your Missouri pride with this mug that says it all: "I'm from Missouri! That explains a lot about my love for BBQ ribs and floating down rivers with a cooler as my copilot."
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Missouri: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Missouri through the years.
1750 - Missouri is first in the nation in production of lead. Lead deposits led the French to found Sainte Genevieve, the first permanent European settlement in Missouri, about 1750.
1811 - The most powerful earthquake to strike the United States occurred in 1811, centered in New Madrid, Missouri. The quake shook more than one million square miles, and was felt as far as 1,000 miles away.
1812 - A portion of the Territory of Louisiana became the Territory of Missouri;
the first general assembly of the Territory of Missouri met and the five original counties were organized: Cape Girardeau, New Madrid, St. Charles, St. Louis, and Ste. Genevieve.
1821 - President James Monroe admitted Missouri as the 24th state; the state capitol was temporarily located in St. Charles
1826 - Jefferson City designated Missouri's state capitol
1837 - Missouri's first capitol in Jefferson City destroyed by fire
1838 - October 27 - Governor Lilburn Boggs issued the "Extermination Order" against Mormons living in Missouri, demanding that members of the Mormon church leave the state
1843 - May 22 – The first major wagon train headed for the American Northwest sets out with one thousand pioneers from Elm Grove, Missouri on the Oregon Trail.
Show more local history, news & stories
1848 - Bleeding at the Nose
A physician of extensive practice tells us that a prompt and effectual remedy for violent bleeding at the nose, it to soak the feet in warm water. Lay this up "against the time of need."
1854 - Missouri
Missouri, one of the largest of the United States, and the first formed wholly W. of the Mississippi river, is bounded on the N. by Iowa, (from which it is separated for about 30 miles on the N. E. by the Des Moines river,) on the E. by the Mississippi river, which divides it from Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee ; on the S. by the Arkansas, and on the W. by Indian Territory, from which it is partly separated by the Missouri river. This state lies (with the exception of a a small projection between the St. Francis and the Mississippi river, which extends to 36°) between 30° 30', and 40° 36' N. lat., and 89° 10' and 96° W. Lon., being about 285 miles in its greatest length from E. to W., and 280 in width from N. to S., including an area of 67,380 square miles, or 43,123,200 acres, only 2,938,425 acres of which were improved in 1850...
1861 - October 30 – American Civil War: The bill for Missouri's secession from the Union is passed.
1865 - Missouri became the first slave state to free its slaves.
1875 - A grasshopper plague in Missouri caused an estimated $15 million worth of damages
1899 - Advice to Girls
Here is a small bit of advice given by a Missouri editor to girls:
Don't hang around the depot unless you are going somewhere or there to meet friends.
Don’t go to church and take a back seat with your escort, and then whisper and giggle through the services.
Don't be loud, boisterous or slangy.
Don’t carry your heart on your sleeves or fall into the arms of every well dressed stranger or drummer who comes to town.
Be womanly, be modest, be thoughtful and serious at times.
Don’t regard your long-legged brother as a nuisance.
Don't turn up your nose at your old-fashioned father and his poor grammar.
Above all, don’t play "A Hot Time" on the piano while your old mother is having a "hot time" at the wash tub with your dirty duds—it is too suggestive.
Don't hang around the depot unless you are going somewhere or there to meet friends.
Don’t go to church and take a back seat with your escort, and then whisper and giggle through the services.
Don't be loud, boisterous or slangy.
Don’t carry your heart on your sleeves or fall into the arms of every well dressed stranger or drummer who comes to town.
Be womanly, be modest, be thoughtful and serious at times.
Don’t regard your long-legged brother as a nuisance.
Don't turn up your nose at your old-fashioned father and his poor grammar.
Above all, don’t play "A Hot Time" on the piano while your old mother is having a "hot time" at the wash tub with your dirty duds—it is too suggestive.
1901 - First Missouri State Fair opened at Sedalia
In 1901, the inaugural Missouri State Fair opened its gates in Sedalia, marking the beginning of a longstanding tradition in the state. The fair was a culmination of efforts to showcase Missouri's agricultural prowess, offering a platform for farmers, breeders, and producers to exhibit their finest livestock, crops, and products. It also featured entertainment such as music, games, and exhibitions, drawing crowds from across the region to celebrate the state's achievements and heritage.
1904 - About Christmas Shopping
The stores will be crowded from now until Christmas and shoppers should train themselves to be patient. Before going out to shop look carefully over the columns of the MAIL and locate the places where you want to do your buying. This will save you time and money. Then if you find the clerks to be busy be patient in your waiting. Of course you will be in a hurry to complete your Christmas shopping, but remember that others are in the same frame of mind. Don't rush the clerks to fast. They have a great deal to do. In this way, you will be best served, though you may be a little delayed. Christmas shopping is growing year by year and the misfortune is that too many put it off until the last day. Be patient.
February 13, 1905 - Morning lows of -29 degrees at Pond AR, -40 degrees at Lebanon KS, and -40 degrees at Warsaw MO established all-time records for those three states
1911 - Missouri State Capitol building completely destroyed by fire after being struck by lightning
On February 5, 1911, a devastating event unfolded in Jefferson City, Missouri, as the State Capitol building was struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm, resulting in a massive fire that engulfed the entire structure. The fire quickly spread throughout the building, fueled by the wooden dome and interior furnishings, eventually causing the collapse of the dome and significant portions of the walls. Efforts to contain the blaze were hindered by the intensity of the storm and the limited firefighting capabilities of the time.
The destruction of the Missouri State Capitol was a significant loss, not only in terms of the architectural heritage of the state but also for the irreplaceable historical records and artifacts housed within its walls.
The destruction of the Missouri State Capitol was a significant loss, not only in terms of the architectural heritage of the state but also for the irreplaceable historical records and artifacts housed within its walls.
1915 - HAVOC WROUGHT IN MISSOURI AND KANSAS BY HIGH WINDS AND LIGHTNING. Heavy Fall of Rain Turns Many Streams Into Raging Torrents - Homes Demolished and Bridges Washed Out.
Kansas City, Mo. - Nineteen deaths and many persons injured was the result of the terrific windstorm in Missouri and Kansas on Friday.
A list of deaths from the storm follows:
Richmond, Mo. - MRS. ARTHUR COVEY and small child, killed when their home was demolished by a tornado; MRS. MARY BELL, 60 years old, struck by lightning.
Westmoreland, Kan. - CHARLES MORRIS, his son and JOHN GUNTHER, drowned when their gasoline motor car was swept into a creek by a sudden rush of water.
Onaga, Kan. - Five members of family of JOHN BURGES, farmer, killed when a tornado demolished the Burges home.
Nevada, Mo. - MRS. GERTRUDE KNAU, 80, lost life when house was demolished by a tornado.
Latour, Mo. - MRS. ALMA ALLMAN, killed when wind swept her home away.
Montrose, Mo. - Unidentified infant killed in windstorm.
Wamego, Kan. - GENE NICHOLS, farmer, struck by lightning.
Goltry, Okla. - MRS. CARRIE FORD, killed in tornado that demolished her home.
Joplin, Mo. - Two-year old ...
Read more
A list of deaths from the storm follows:
Richmond, Mo. - MRS. ARTHUR COVEY and small child, killed when their home was demolished by a tornado; MRS. MARY BELL, 60 years old, struck by lightning.
Westmoreland, Kan. - CHARLES MORRIS, his son and JOHN GUNTHER, drowned when their gasoline motor car was swept into a creek by a sudden rush of water.
Onaga, Kan. - Five members of family of JOHN BURGES, farmer, killed when a tornado demolished the Burges home.
Nevada, Mo. - MRS. GERTRUDE KNAU, 80, lost life when house was demolished by a tornado.
Latour, Mo. - MRS. ALMA ALLMAN, killed when wind swept her home away.
Montrose, Mo. - Unidentified infant killed in windstorm.
Wamego, Kan. - GENE NICHOLS, farmer, struck by lightning.
Goltry, Okla. - MRS. CARRIE FORD, killed in tornado that demolished her home.
Joplin, Mo. - Two-year old ...
1928 - July 7 – The first machine-sliced and machine-wrapped loaf of bread is sold in Chillicothe, Missouri, using Otto Frederick Rohwedder's technology.
In 1928, a significant advancement in the food industry took place in Chillicothe, Missouri. On July 7th of that year, the first machine-sliced and machine-wrapped loaf of bread was sold, marking a pivotal moment in the history of bread production and packaging. This achievement was made possible by the innovative technology developed by Otto Frederick Rohwedder, an inventor who had been working on perfecting a machine that could slice and wrap bread automatically.
Rohwedder's invention revolutionized the way bread was sold and consumed. Before his machine, bread was typically sold whole and had to be sliced by hand at home or by the baker. With the introduction of machine-sliced bread, not only was the process more efficient, but it also ensured consistency in slice thickness, making it more convenient for consumers. The machine-wrapping aspect further extended the bread's freshness, reducing waste and increasing its shelf life.
Rohwedder's invention revolutionized the way bread was sold and consumed. Before his machine, bread was typically sold whole and had to be sliced by hand at home or by the baker. With the introduction of machine-sliced bread, not only was the process more efficient, but it also ensured consistency in slice thickness, making it more convenient for consumers. The machine-wrapping aspect further extended the bread's freshness, reducing waste and increasing its shelf life.
1931 - Bagnell Dam completed, forming the Lake of the Ozarks
In 1931, the completion of the Bagnell Dam marked a significant event in the history of Missouri, leading to the formation of the Lake of the Ozarks. The dam, located on the Osage River, was constructed to generate hydroelectric power and control flooding in the region. It was a massive undertaking, requiring years of planning and construction, but upon its completion, it stood as one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States at the time.
The creation of the Lake of the Ozarks had a profound impact on the surrounding area. It not only provided a reliable source of electricity but also transformed the region into a popular tourist destination. The lake's clear waters and scenic surroundings attracted visitors seeking recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
The creation of the Lake of the Ozarks had a profound impact on the surrounding area. It not only provided a reliable source of electricity but also transformed the region into a popular tourist destination. The lake's clear waters and scenic surroundings attracted visitors seeking recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming.
Missouri has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in the Show-Me State:
Explore St. Louis:
Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, the symbol of the city.
Discover the St. Louis Zoo, one of the best in the country.
Explore the historic neighborhoods like the Central West End and Soulard.
Kansas City:
Savor some of the best barbecue in the world.
Enjoy the lively jazz scene in the 18th and Vine District.
Visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Branson:
Experience world-class entertainment in this entertainment mecca.
Explore Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park.
Take a scenic ride on the Branson Scenic Railway.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways:
Go canoeing or tubing on the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.
Hike the trails and explore the stunning karst landscape.
Mark Twain's Hannibal:
Visit the boyhood home of Mark Twain.
Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River.
Explore the historic downtown area.
Gateway to the West:
Discover the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail and learn about their...
Read more
Visit the iconic Gateway Arch, the symbol of the city.
Discover the St. Louis Zoo, one of the best in the country.
Explore the historic neighborhoods like the Central West End and Soulard.
Kansas City:
Savor some of the best barbecue in the world.
Enjoy the lively jazz scene in the 18th and Vine District.
Visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial.
Branson:
Experience world-class entertainment in this entertainment mecca.
Explore Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-style theme park.
Take a scenic ride on the Branson Scenic Railway.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways:
Go canoeing or tubing on the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers.
Hike the trails and explore the stunning karst landscape.
Mark Twain's Hannibal:
Visit the boyhood home of Mark Twain.
Take a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi River.
Explore the historic downtown area.
Gateway to the West:
Discover the Lewis and Clark Historic Trail and learn about their...
GENEALOGY IN MISSOURI
Discover YOUR Roots: Missouri Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Missouri through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Missouri, USA
We currently have information about 145 ancestors who were born or died in Missouri.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Missouri, USA
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Missouri.
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Updated: 6/24/2024 1:20:49 PM
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