Driving the “Genius Highway”
The Amazing History of Highway 36 in Northern Missouri It’s called the “Genius Highway” — and for good reason. Highway 36 across the northern part of Missouri is one of many great road trips across the state of Missouri to see our legendary people and places. The highway goes from Hannibal on the east to…
Best Towns in Missouri For Christmas
Places in Missouri to get you in the Holiday Spirit Many of us yearn for a place that takes us back in time to a magical moment from our past. During the holiday, that yearning only gets stronger. There is truly something special about Christmas in Missouri. Of course, it is all very subjective because…
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…
Historic Mansions in Missouri
People are often surprised at the number of historic mansions in Missouri. These massive estates rival mansions anywhere in America. Why So Many Mansions in Missouri There are several reasons for the significant amount of wealth in the early years of our state. Beer barons, railroad magnates, banking executives, and manufacturing leaders all came to…
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.
Mack Nelson Mansion
Missouri Mansions Series The Mansion The Mack Nelson Mansion is located at 5500 Ward Parkway in Kansas City’s prestigious Country Club District. It has a rich history intertwined with the lumber industry, elite society, and notable early-20th-century architecture. It is much more than a grand home. It’s a physical chronicle of Kansas City’s early growth, architectural…
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…
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…
West Wind House
Missouri Mansions Series The West Wind House is set high on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Louisiana, Missouri. The unique house was designed by architect Beverley Nelson of St. Louis in 1939. In fact, the home was built where a rock quarry once operated. The structure is three stories high on the river…
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 Joplin
Joplin, Missouri, has a rich history shaped by mining, industry, and resilience. The city is the 12th largest city in Missouri with a population of 53,095. Here’s an overview of its past: Early Settlement & Founding Mining Boom & Growth (Late 1800s) Early 20th Century & Prohibition Era Decline of Mining & Economic Shifts (Mid-1900s)…
Brief History Of Hannibal
Hannibal, Missouri, is a historic town located along the Mississippi River in northeastern Missouri. The Mississippi River town is best known as the boyhood home of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). It is also the setting for his famous novels The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. But the history of Hannibal goes…
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,…
This Day in Missouri History: Busch Stadium III Opens
On April 4th, 2006, Busch Stadium held its first game The first game in the new stadium in downtown St. Louis showcased the Cardinals’ minor league affiliates in an exhibition game. The Memphis Redbirds took on the Springfield Cardinals. Even though it was a pair of minor league teams, the game sold out in a…
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…
Pro Baseball Players from Missouri in 2024
Missouri knows baseball. In fact, many of the biggest moments in the history of Major League Baseball have connections to the Show Me State. From the I-70 Series to the 1944 All St. Louis World Series and even the amazing history of the Negro Leagues, hundreds of Missourians have played in the MLB and our…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…