1. In 1861, the first Civil War battle in Missouri took place in the town of Athens. Confederate soldiers attacked a group of Union troops stationed at the town's courthouse. The battle resulted in a Confederate victory, but the Union forces regrouped and eventually regained control of the area.
2. In 1955, the Major League Baseball team the St. Louis Cardinals made history by becoming the first team to feature two African American pitchers in the same game. Hank Thompson and Bill Greason both pitched during the game against the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking down racial barriers in professional baseball.
3. In 1973, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established as a National Park. The park covers over 80,000 acres in southern Missouri and includes parts of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. It is known for its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities like canoeing and fishing.
4. In 2009, Missouri executed Dennis Skillicorn by lethal injection for his role in a 1994 murder. Skillicorn had been convicted of assisting in the murder of Richard Drummond; his execution was controversial due to concerns over the death penalty's fairness and effectiveness.
5. In 2014, the National Blues Museum opened in St. Louis. The museum celebrates the genre of blues music and highlights the contributions of notable artists like B.B. King, Robert Johnson, and Muddy Waters. It features exhibits, interactive displays, and live performances.