Mobile Phones Debuted in Missouri
1946: Car Phones debut in Missouri A Southwestern Bell worker testing mobile telephone service in St. Louis in 1946.Courtesy of AT&T Archives and History Center Here is a piece of history that may surprise you — for a number of reasons. Firstly, most people think that the invention of mobile phones happened in the 1980s.…
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…
Largest Homes in Missouri
Missouri Mansions Series Missouri isn’t usually the first place people think of when they imagine mega-mansions, but there are actually several reasons why large estates and “castle-style” homes are relatively common. And these aren’t just “larger than normal mansions.” The largest homes in Missouri spread across the state, from large cities to small towns, and…
Missouri’s Most Unusual Homes
Missouri Mansions Series There are some homes in Missouri that you truly have to see to believe. Yes, it’s just another reason we call it the Show Me State. And it’s the reason why we put together our Missouri Mansions Series. These unusual homes offer more than just a place to live. They provide a…
Little Talladega Mansion
Missouri Mansions Series There is an Airbnb in southern Missouri that is truly like none other. It’s called the Little Talladega – or The Drift Mansion – and yes, it has its own racetracks. The beautiful home sits on 62 acres near Pomona, which is in Howell County — deep in the Missouri Ozarks, midway…
Best Places For High School Football in Missouri
Friday Night Lights in Show Me State are special. These are the best places for High School Football in Missouri
Vouziers Estate: A Glimpse into Missouri’s Gilded Age
Missouri Mansions Series Slideshow images are courtesy of The Charles Trefts Collection at The State Historical Society of Missouri. The Desloge Dynasty The story of the Desloge family is one of extraordinary wealth, industrial power, political intrigue, and high society. And it is all set in Missouri. The business aspect of their story includes lead…
Carter Mansion in Carthage
Missouri Mansions Series The Carter Mansion in Carthage is a striking Victorian‑style estate built between 1893 and 1896 by Dr. John Addison Carter. Dr. Carter was a Civil War veteran and influential local physician and landowner. The home is easily recognizable because it is often pictured alongside its companion building, the “Carriage House”. History of…
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.
Bond Mansion
Missouri Mansions Series The Mansion The Bond Mansion is a beautiful Victorian-era home in Mexico, Missouri. The historic house is known for its grandeur and was considered one of the finest homes in Missouri when it was built in 1941. The home also has a political history. This is where former Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond…
History of Ha Ha Tonka Castle
Missouri Mansions Series Ha Ha Tonka was a magnificent mansion on the bluffs that overlooked the Ozark Mountains near Camdenton, Missouri. But the ruins of the castle are just one part of this amazing Missouri State Park that surrounds the historic home site. “Ha Ha Tonka” comes from the Osage language, often interpreted as “laughing…
Golf History in Missouri
Oldest Courses and Forgotten Moments Golf History in Missouri is fascinating. Yes, we have some of the best courses in the country. We also have great moments in golf history that many people don’t know about. But if you look into our historical records, you will see it is confusing. Several courses claim to be…
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Missouri – 2025
Missouri is home to some of the best restaurants in the most beautiful locations. We scoured the state, talked with food writers, and checked restaurant rankings from across the web to come up with our “Best Waterfront Restaurants in Missouri” list for 2025. We did our best to find the iconic restaurants in all parts…
Missouri’s Best Small High Schools – 2025
I grew up in a small town. (Feel free to sing along) My graduating class was around 60 students and we were 30 miles away from the nearest McDonalds. People who grew up in similar small towns across Missouri know all about a story like this. Missouri’s small town high schools are just different —…
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…
Mizzou Basketball’s Missouri Problem
First and foremost, I am a fan of All Things Missouri. I love everything about the state. That’s why I write so many history books and blog articles. But I get asked often about why I am so cynical about Mizzou basketball these days (BTW, I picked Drake over Missouri in March Madness). It’s certainly…
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…
Explore the Missouri State Capitol: A Tour of History
The Magnificent State Capitol on the banks of the Missouri River There are some tours that you want to do by yourself and others that are done best with guidance. When it comes to the tour of the Missouri State Capitol, the latter certainly is better. And when it comes to Missouri State Capitol history,…
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…
This Day in Missouri Baseball History: Royals Up to Bat
April 8th, 1969: The Kansas City Royals played their first-ever game. This day marked a significant moment for Kansas City which had been without a major league baseball team for two years after the Athletics moved to Oakland in 1967. The departure of the Athletics left Kansas City longing for a team to root for,…
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…
Route 66 History in Missouri
March 15, 1931: Celebrations in Missouri as the final section of Route 66 is paved. It was a big party in downtown Rolla as an estimated 8,000 people turned out to commemorate the completion of Route 66 across Missouri. The “Mother Road” dates back to 1922 as Route 14, but it was more of a…
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…
The Missouri State Seal and Flag
In my opinion, the Missouri State Seal and Flag need to be fixed. If you have ever heard one of my “Missouri Legends” speeches, then you know why. (Actually, I’m not really upset at all — but fake outrage does well online these days.) I simply don’t understand how this glaring issue has lasted this…
Race Car Drivers From Missouri
From NASCAR to Indy Cars and everything in between, here are the top race car drivers from Missouri Missouri has a long history with auto racing and an intense love affair with our sportscars. There are race tracks all over the state of Missouri, some big, some small. It’s on these tracks where some of…
Brief History of Negro National Leagues
February 13, 1920: The Negro National League is formed in Kansas City. A meeting at the Paseo YMCA led by Rube Foster set the stage for a new baseball league that changed the face of the game forever. There were previous leagues for black athletes that never proved to be sustainable, but this new organization…
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…
Nelly’s Big Moment
February 1, 2004 Nelly performs at Super Bowl XXXVIII halftime show. Cornell Hanes, Jr., aka Nelly, was on top of the world in the early 2000s after the success of his albums Country Grammar in 2000 and Nellyville in 2002. The University City native seemed to be everywhere wearing shirts that represented his hometown teams,…
The First Female Mayor in Missouri
1921: The citizens of St. James elect the first female mayor in the state. Two years after women in Missouri were finally allowed to vote, the first female mayor in Missouri history was elected in St. James. Mayme Ousley was born in nearby Edgar Springs and went to high school in Rolla where she graduated…
Powell Hall History
January 24, 1968: Powell Hall converts from a movie theater to a Symphony Hall. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra played its first-ever concert the night after the legendary theater was re-opened as a symphony hall. It was formerly known as St. Louis Theater, but was renamed as Powell Hall for local businessman Walter Powell when…
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…
Sara Evans Hits #1
January 17, 2001: “Born to Fly” hits number one for Sara Evans. Sara Evans was on top of the charts and on top of the world back in 2001. The former Columbia residents and central Missouri native hit number one for the first time with the song, “Born to Fly,” which also earned Evans her…
Missouri’s Wine Growing Regions
In Missouri, there are five recognized American Viticultural Areas (AVA). In fact, Missouri is home to the country’s first AVA, according to the Missouri Wine website. These are regions established by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau. They include: The Grapes In Missouri The Norton grape was named the official state grape of…
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…
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…
Grant Wistrom Wins Lombardi Award
On December 11, 1997, Grant Wistrom wins the Lombardi Award as the nation’s top collegiate lineman. The Webb City native played college football at Nebraska from 1994 – 1997 where h won three national championships before being drafted 6th overall by the St. Louis Rams in 1998. He also won two state championships in high…
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…
Mizzou v. Illinois: Braggin’ Rights
December 10, 1980: The first Braggin’ Rights basketball game. The first Braggin’ Rights game was held in St. Louis between the Mizzou Tigers and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini. Although the teams have a rivalry dating back to 1932, things escalated a notch when the annual match-up moved to a neutral site midway between…
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…
Biggest High Schools in Missouri
The biggest high schools in the state of Missouri in 2023-2024 as ranked by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Many of the districts are in growing suburban areas near St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield. Here is the list of the 25 biggest high schools in Missouri according to the Department of…
David Eckstein One-On-One
St. Louis Cardinals legend David Eckstein has one of the most amazing stories of any athlete you will ever meet. He performance in the 2006 World Series won him an MVP and made him a Missouri Legend. David and his wife, Ashley, are good friends of my family. So we did the coolest interview I’ve…
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…
Hall Brook Farms
Missouri Mansions Series The Hall Brook Farms mansion east of Joplin is one of the biggest homes in the state of Missouri. It boasts more than 16,000 square feet, but the size is just the beginning of this amazing home. When the home was originally built, it sat on more than 200 acres with a…
Jones Mansion in Ladue
The massive mansion in Ladue known as the Chateau Deux Sources is one of the biggest homes in the state of Missouri. The residence boasts more than 30,000-square feet of living space on 4 acres and has more amenities than you could ever list on paper. Chateau Deux Sources is french for Castle of the…
Furminator House
Missouri Mansions Series 1705 N. Woodlawn Avenue, Ladue The town of Ladue in St. Louis County is known as one of the wealthiest towns in the United States. Many of the homes are more than 10,000 square feet and sit on beautifully manicured properties. But one in particular stands out for its size and beauty.…