1. On January 16, 1865, the Battle of Dug Springs occurred near Springfield, Missouri during the American Civil War. The Union forces, led by Colonel G.W. Garrison, were able to repel an attack by Confederate guerrilla forces under the command of Colonel James D. Wood.

2. January 16, 1920, is a significant date in Missouri history as it marks the beginning of Prohibition in the United States. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified on this day, outlawing the manufacture, sale, and transport of alcohol.

3. In 1932, Missouri native Laura Ingalls Wilder published her classic book, "Little House in the Big Woods." The novel tells the story of her childhood in the Wisconsin woods and laid the groundwork for the beloved "Little House" series.

4. On January 16, 1961, the University of Missouri's Hearnes Center opened its doors. The sports venue, located in Columbia, Missouri, was named after former Governor Warren E. Hearnes and has since hosted countless sporting events, concerts, and other activities.

5. Missouri Senator Claire McCaskill made history on January 16, 2013, by becoming the first woman to represent Missouri in the United States Senate. McCaskill, a Democrat, served in the Senate from 2007 to 2019 and was known for her work on behalf of veterans, women's rights, and government transparency.