1. On December 22, 1858, the Missouri State Penitentiary, also known as "The Walls," opened in Jefferson City. It served as the state's primary maximum-security prison until its closure in 2004.

2. The Battle of Springfield took place on December 22, 1861, during the American Civil War. Union forces under General Samuel R. Curtis successfully defended the city against a Confederate assault led by General Sterling Price.

3. December 22, 1937, marked the worst mining disaster in Missouri history. At the West Winona Mine in Ellsinore, an explosion killed 31 workers and injured 17 others.

4. On December 22, 1950, President Harry S. Truman traveled to Kansas City to dedicate the brand new Truman Sports Complex. The complex included both Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, and Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals.

5. December 22, 1999, saw the opening of the St. Louis Mills shopping center in Hazelwood. The mall included over 200 stores and attractions, including a skating rink and an aquarium. However, the mall struggled financially and eventually closed in 2014.