1. Missouri's first African American legislator was born on February 22, 1855. John W. Boone was a preacher, teacher, and social activist who served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 1891 to 1893. He was a strong advocate for civil rights and education for all Missourians.

2. Missouri's first state highway patrol was established on February 22, 1931. The patrol was created to reduce the number of automobile accidents and to enforce traffic laws. Today, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is a multi-faceted law enforcement organization that serves and protects the citizens of Missouri.

3. On February 22, 1965, the Missouri River flooded due to heavy snowmelt and rain. The floodwaters caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and farmland along the river. This event led to the construction of a series of dams and levees to control future floods and protect the people and property along the Missouri River.

4. The Missouri Ozark Mountains were designated as a National Forest on February 22, 1939. The Mark Twain National Forest covers over 1.4 million acres in southern Missouri and is home to a variety of wildlife, plants, and recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and fishing.

5. The first successful balloon flight in the United States occurred in St. Louis, Missouri on February 22, 1866. Aeronaut John Wise flew his balloon, the Jupiter, from St. Louis to Henderson, New York, becoming the first person to fly a balloon from one state to another in the U.S. This event marked an important milestone in the history of aviation.