1. Missouri officially became a state on December 1, 1821: On this day, Missouri was admitted as the 24th state of the United States. It was preceded only by Louisiana, which had been admitted just three years earlier in 1818. The admission of Missouri was significant because it was the first state to be carved out of the Louisiana Territory.

2. The Danforth Plant Sciences Center was established on December 1, 1998: This agricultural research center is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is dedicated to improving global crop yields, developing sustainable farming practices, and enhancing the nutritional content of food. Their research has led to the development of more resilient crops that can withstand harsh weather conditions and diseases.

3. The Gateway Arch was completed on December 1, 1965: This iconic structure, located in St. Louis, is the tallest monument in the United States and stands at 630 feet tall. It was built as a memorial to the westward expansion of the United States and has become a symbol of St. Louis culture and history.

4. The Battle of Prairie Grove was fought on December 1, 1862: This Civil War battle took place in northwest Arkansas, near the Missouri border. Union forces under General Francis Herron met Confederate forces under General Thomas Hindman in a bloody battle that left thousands dead or wounded. The Union ultimately emerged victorious, but at a heavy cost.

5. The first issue of the Kansas City Star was published on December 1, 1880: The newspaper was founded by William Rockhill Nelson and Samuel E. Morss and quickly became a prominent voice in the region. Today, the Kansas City Star is the largest daily newspaper in Missouri and is known for its comprehensive coverage of local and national news.