1. 1803: Louisiana Purchase Treaty signed
On April 30, 1803, the Louisiana Purchase Treaty was signed in Paris, France, marking the acquisition of the vast Louisiana Territory by the United States. The territory included present-day Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota west of the Mississippi River, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, most of Kansas, the northeastern portion of New Mexico, the northern portion of Texas, and small portions of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.

2. 1945: Hitler commits suicide
April 30, 1945, marks the day that Adolf Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany, committed suicide in his bunker in Berlin. This event marked the end of World War II in Europe and had a profound impact on the world.

3. 1961: Missouri Governor Dalton signs Interstate Highway Bill
On April 30, 1961, Missouri Governor John M. Dalton signed the Interstate Highway Bill into law, which authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway System. This system greatly improved transportation and commerce across the country, connecting major cities and regions via a network of high-speed highways.

4. 1980: St. Louis Cardinals pitcher sets record
On April 30, 1980, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Bob Forsch threw the first no-hitter of the 1980 Major League Baseball season, becoming the first pitcher in MLB history to throw two no-hitters against the same team (the Philadelphia Phillies). Forsch's impressive performance remains a major highlight in Cardinals history.

5. 2011: Tornado outbreak devastates parts of Missouri
On April 30, 2011, a massive tornado outbreak occurred in the central United States, including parts of Missouri. The tornadoes resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, including in the town of Joplin, where a massive EF5 tornado killed 161 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. The event remains a tragic reminder of the devastating power of natural disasters.