1. On January 12, 1822, the state legislature authorized the building of a new state capital in Jefferson City. The city has remained the capital of Missouri ever since.

2. In 1816, the first steamboat to navigate the Missouri River arrived in St. Louis on January 12th. The steamboat, called the "Independence," sparked a new era of transportation and commerce in the state.

3. On January 12, 1937, the state of Missouri executed Bonnie Heady and Carl Hall for the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr. The high-profile case captured the nation's attention and remains one of the most famous criminal trials in American history.

4. In 1979, on January 12th, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways were established. The park encompasses over 80,000 acres of land and water in southern Missouri and provides visitors with opportunities for fishing, canoeing, hiking, and more.

5. On January 12, 2007, a rare ice storm hit the state of Missouri, causing widespread power outages and travel disruptions. The storm resulted in nearly half a million Missourians losing power, and it took weeks for some areas to fully recover.