St. Louis’ 1904 Olympic Marathon Debacle
The 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials are right around the corner. The eyes of the country will be on Orlando as the best marathon runners in America will be competing for a spot on the Olympic Team. Several Missourians are expected to compete once again this year. But nothing can ever compare to what happened in…
Own Your Own Deserted Town: Discover the Legend of Ongo, Missouri
A Deserted Village with a Wedding Chapel on 900 Acres for $10,500,000 Welcome to Ongo—a breathtaking 900-acre “Paradise Village” that feels less like a real estate listing and more like a hidden chapter of the American frontier. Established in 1925, back when mail arrived by horseback, this unincorporated and deserted Missouri town has been privately…
The Bloodiest 47 Acres: Visiting the “Haunted” Missouri State Penitentiary
For 168 years, the Missouri State Penitentiary was a place you’d do anything to avoid. Today, however, “The Walls” stand as one of the most compelling historical sites in the Midwest. Opened in 1836 along the banks of the Missouri River in Jefferson City, the prison was already a veteran institution by the time the…
First Town in Missouri With Electricity
The Night Missouri Switched on the Lights: The Story of the “Electric City” When we think of the late 19th-century “Electric Revolution,” our minds usually go straight to the bustling streets of New York or the laboratories of Thomas Edison. But for Missourians, the true spark of innovation happened in a much more unexpected place:…
Best Places to Live in Missouri
The Top Towns To Call Home in the Show Me State NOTE: After getting hundreds of messages about this story, I think it’s important to point out that I have lived in over 25 places in Missouri, so I am a bit of an expert on this topic. And I can tell you that there…
The History of Soulard Mardi Gras
From a House Party to a Phenomenon While New Orleans may hold the crown, St. Louis officially stakes its claim as the second-largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States. But before the corporate sponsorships and sea of beads, the festivities in the historic Soulard neighborhood began with a much humbler—and slightly more impromptu—spark. 1980:…
Brief History of Soulard
On February 10, 1841: Julia Soulard begins giving land to the City of St. Louis for use as a public market. The story of the oldest public market west of the Mississippi isn’t just about fresh produce and local commerce; it’s a saga of colonial land grants, a decades-long legal battle, and the enduring vision…
The Wealthiest Zip Codes in Missouri
What are the wealthiest cities in Missouri? When it comes to wealth in Missouri, the St. Louis “West County” corridor and specific enclaves in Kansas City consistently hold the top spots. In addition to the big city zips, one area of Lake of the Ozarks is also a hot spot for the rich and famous.…
Division Street: The Petty Reason Behind Springfield’s Most Famous Boundary
April 4th, 1887: Springfield and North Springfield become one city. Ever wonder why Springfield’s Division Street sounds so… literal? It’s not just a random name; it’s a scar from a decades-old rivalry. Back in the day, North Springfield and the city of Springfield were two totally separate towns, and for 15 years, they acted more…
Missouri’s Borrowed City Names
Athens, Amsterdam, Monterey, Paris, and Versailles. I know exactly what you are thinking. Yes, those are some of the most picturesque places in Missouri. Let’s face it, the world has been around a lot longer than Missouri has been a state, so we were at a disadvantage when it came to naming cities and towns…
Why Missouri Has a Bootheel
The Political Deal That Shaped the State’s Southern Border Missouri wasn’t supposed to have a bootheel. It wasn’t planned to be this way and it wasn’t included in the original maps. But a wealthy and influential landowner from the area near Caruthersville named John Hardeman Walker changed the course of Missouri history. But nobody really…
Former Pro Teams from Missouri
Missouri has had some of the most successful professional teams of all time. But the Show Me State has also lost numerous teams over the years.
The Missouri Governor Who Committed Suicide
A mental health breakdown led to the death of the young Missouri Governor Missouri Governor Thomas Reynolds was a rising star in the world of politics in the mid-1800s. He already had a distinguished career in law and politics before he became governor. But struggles with mental health took their toll as he committed suicide…
Missouri Towns That Changed Their Names
Several Towns Across Missouri Decided that Change Is Good The one thing that is constant – is change. Over the course of Missouri’s 200-plus years, several towns have changed their names. It happens for a number of reasons such as: Here are some of the towns in Missouri that have changed names over the years.…
The Missourian Who Was The Largest Landowner in America in 1900
Missourian John Sliker Bilby was the Land King John Sliker Bilby, Missouri’s Land Baron John Sliker Bilby was the real-life version of the John Dutton from the show Yellowstone – only bigger. Bilby was reportedly the largest landowner in America around 1900 with an estimated 1,000,000 acres spread across 15 states in the late 1800s…
Dewey Defeats Truman… The Full Missouri Story
November 2nd, 1948: Missourian Harry S Truman defeats Thomas E. Dewey for the U.S. presidency. We have all seen the iconic image of Harry S Truman holding up the Chicago Tribune newspaper with the erroneous headline. But do you know the Missouri history surrounding the days leading up to the iconic image of Truman holding…
Walt Disney Chooses Orlando over Missouri
November 22nd, 1963: The United States in in shock as President John F. Kennedy is shot and killed in Dallas. That was also the day that Walt Disney flew over a vacant piece of land southwest of Orlando and proclaimed, “That’s It.” That day may have also been the day that St. Louis lost an…
Gascondy: The Missouri Resort That Disappeared
The village known as Gascondy used to attract wealthy Missourians to a bluff near Belle. The historic town is now extinct.
Missouri’s Unusual Town Names
How did Missouri towns get such unusual names? There are hundreds of cities, towns, villages and municipalities in the state of Missouri. Some are major metro areas like St. Louis and Kansas City. Many are tiny with populations in the teens. But one thing is certainly true about Missouri towns; they sure have some strange…
Brief History of Kimmswick
Discover the captivating history of Kimmswick, Missouri. A 19th-century river town that rose, fell, and revived into one of Missouri’s most charming historic gems.
Brief History of Independence
Independence, Missouri, holds a significant place in American history, particularly in relation to westward expansion, the Oregon Trail, and the Mormon migration. It stated as a small outpost on the western frontier and grew to be Missouri’s 5th largest city. It is also the county seat of Jackson County and is seeing significant growth in…
Brief History of Joplin
Joplin, Missouri, is a city in the southwestern part of the state with a rich history tied to mining, transportation, and resilience. Here’s the brief history of Joplin: Early History Growth and Prosperity Challenges and Resilience Modern Joplin Today, Joplin is a vibrant community that honors its past while continuing to grow and adapt. We…
Brief History of Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau, Missouri, is a city with a rich history. It is the economic hub of southeast Missouri due to it’s location along major highways and the Mississippi River. It is also the educational center thanks to the impact of Southeast Missouri State University. Early History of Cape Girardeau The area that became Cape Girardeau…
Best Small Towns in Missouri
There is nothing quite like a small town in Missouri. The beautiful scenery, slow pace of life, and wonderful people all make our small towns some of the best in the country. But there are the places that the web site Far and Wide named to a pair of lists about the Best Small Towns…
The Day Branson was Formed
April 1, 1912 – The City of Branson is Incorporated Branson has an amazing history that dates back further than most people realize. The town was a long-established village along the banks of the White River since the late 1800s. The town saw rapid growth thanks to tourist attractions like Marble Cave and Lake Taneycomo…
Kansas City “Day in History”
March 28, 1850: Kansas City is incorporated as a city. The largest city in the state of Missouri had humble beginnings but grew into a major metro area at the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers. Its key location had avital impact on westward migration during America’s early years while also helping the city…
Brief History of Branson
On April 1, 1912 the City of Branson was incorporated in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. It has a rich history that has shaped its identity as a popular tourist destination. Here is the brief history of Branson. Early Inhabitants The area that would become Branson was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including…
Brief History of St. Joseph, Missouri
Much of what we think of as the “Wild West” traces its origins to St. Joseph. When you think of westward expansion, cattle drives, the Pony Express, and the open frontier—pretty much all of that began along Missouri’s western border. But there is much more to this western Missouri town than many realize. Here is…
Missouri History Timeline
Historical Events in Missouri History 1600-1800: Exploration and Colonization 1673: European explorers Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet first set foot in Missouri. 1719: Mining for lead and silver in the Mine La Motte area begins near current-day Fredericktown. 1724: Fort Orleans is constructed along the Missouri River near current-day Brunswick. 1735: French lead miners…
Brief History of Arrow Rock
1829 Philadelphia (Arrow Rock) Established Long before Missouri was a state, a landmark along the Missouri River known as Arrow Rock was a guide for generations of Native Americans and early European explorers. The central Missouri area was a stopping point known as Boone’s Lick country because of a salt spring right across the river…
Brief History of Columbia, Missouri
Columbia, Missouri, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. Here’s a brief overview: Early Settlement and Founding (1818-1821): Educational Hub: Civil War Influence (1861-1865): Post-Civil War Reconstruction: 20th Century Development: Cultural and Economic Growth: Modern Times: Throughout its history, Columbia has undergone various transformations, but its role as an educational…
Brief History of Springfield, Missouri
1838: The “Queen City of the Ozarks” Started Small Springfield began as a small town in the southwestern part of the state but has grown to be the third largest city in Missouri. And it’s still growing. Prior to the founding of the city, Native American tribes including the Kickapoo, Osage, and Lenape had inhabited…
Missouri S&T History
On November 23, 1871, the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy opened in Rolla. It was one of the first universities in the country to specialize in technology and engineering thanks in large part to the Morrill Act of 1862. The college was designed around sciences, especially mining, due to the large industrial needs in…
Brief History of Jefferson City
How Jefferson City Became the State Capital Jefferson City is the first and only city “created” to be the seat of government in United States history. Jefferson City was not even a town when the site was chosen to be the State Capital leading up to Missouri’s statehood. The area along the Missouri River was…
The Namesake for Raytown
January 18, 1808: William Ray is born. The name of William Ray may not be recognizable to most people, although the bustling town on the outskirts of Kansas City that was named in his honor sure is. Ray moved to Jackson County from Ohio to open a blacksmith shop along the Santa Fe Trail. He…
History of Missouri Wines
Missouri wines are getting more famous. But this overnight success story dates back to the 1830s. This is part 1 of a 3 part story on Missouri’s Wine Country. Click for Part 2 and Part 3 This history of the Missouri Wine industry is like something out of a movie. In fact, it was recently…
Why St. Charles Became the Temporary Capital of Missouri
The “battle” between the two areas was alive and well in the 1800s, too. St. Louis leaders were seen as arrogant. They assumed that St. Louis would be the capital of Missouri because it was a wealthy and powerful city. But outstate leaders were wary of giving St. Louis more power and decided they were…
Brief History of St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. Here’s a brief overview of the history of St. Louis. Early History The area where St. Louis is located was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mississippian culture, prior to European exploration. In 1673, French explorers Louis Jolliet and Jacques Marquette reached…
Brief History of University of Missouri-Columbia
The Flagship Campus of the University of Missouri System The University of Missouri, located in Columbia, commonly known as Mizzou, is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System. Here’s a brief history of the University of Missouri-Columbia: Founding and Early Years (1839-1860): The University of Missouri was founded in 1839, making it the…
A Little Bit of Kirkwood History
Kirkwood was the First Planned Suburban Community West of the Mississippi River Kirkwood is one of the most idyllic towns in the entire state of Missouri. It is like something out of a Hallmark movie, especially during the holidays. From tree-lined streets with historic homes, to a vibrant downtown, a world-class children’s museum, and a…
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
December 11, 1933: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art opened in Kansas City 2023 Marked the 90th anniversary of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art which helped put the Kansas City arts scene on the international map when it opened. It is recognized for the iconic badminton shuttlecocks on the lawn and loved by people around the…
History: Branson Appears on 60 Minutes
On December 8, 1991, 60 Minutes put Branson in the national spotlight. “If are wondering ‘why Branson? ‘no one knows why.“ -60 Minutes Branson got national attention after a profile about the city called “The Sound of Music.” The CBS News program profiled the small town in the Missouri Ozark Mountains and explained to Americans…
Brief History of Missouri
Prelude to Statehood Missouri’s official history as a state began to take shape in the early 1800s, but the true history dates back further than history books. This diverse geographic area, with plains to the north and mountains to the south, dotted with thousands of caves, and surrounded by the biggest and longest rivers in…
Hunter Gary House in Kansas City
One of the most historically significant mansions in Kansas City is now one of the most expensive homes ever to hit the market in Missouri. It is now listed for $9,350,000. “The Hunter Gary House” in Sunset Hill has hosted amazing events and famous people over the years and it could now be yours. Gary…
Astronauts from Missouri
Missourians have always had their eyes to the skies. Even the most famous telescope of all time, the Hubble Space Telescope, is named after a Missourian, Edwin Hubble of Marshfield. Some of our best and brightest Missouri Legends have made it all the way to the pinnacle of a space career. These are the Astronauts…
The “Other” Great St. Louis Bank Robbery
Where is the stolen $847,000? This is a piece of Missouri history that still is not solved. On October 23rd, 1992, nearly $1,000,000 was stolen from a bank in St. Louis. Neither the money, nor the robbers, have been found yet. Even though it happened in a busy building in the middle of downtown St.…
Why Missouri is the “Cave State”
There are over 7,500 caves within Missouri, according to the Department of Natural Resources, giving us the moniker of “the Cave State.” This number makes Missouri one of the most cave-rich states in the United States. An estimated 6,000 of these have been explored, although many of these are on private property or too small…
Most Haunted Places in Missouri
Some people believe in ghosts, others are skeptical. So finding the most haunted places in Missouri can be a difficult task, because believers of the paranormal believe they know where the most haunted places are while others will say there are NO haunted locations. So the best way to go about ranking haunted sites is…
Supermodels from Missouri
When it comes to fashion, most people don’t immediately think about the Show Me State. But when you look at Missouri’s history, you soon realize we have an high number of fashion icons from here. Here’s how I came to this realization. I was researching a recent story about the old garment district in downtown…
Missouri Towns Under the Lakes
Missouri’s lakes are some of the most beautiful in the world. But beneath the calm waters are dozens of Missouri towns under the lakes.