1. In 1861, Kansas City was officially incorporated as a town. Initially formed as a stop for travelers following the California and Oregon trails, Kansas City soon developed into a major center for commerce and transportation.

2. On January 29, 1907, Charles Curtis was sworn in as the first Native American senator in US history. Curtis, a member of the Kaw Nation, served in the Senate for over 20 years and later became the Vice President under Herbert Hoover.

3. Missouri native Scott Joplin, known as the "King of Ragtime," was born on January 29, 1868. Joplin's famous composition, "The Entertainer," has been featured in numerous films and television shows since its release in 1902.

4. In 1966, the University of Missouri became the first public university in the US to establish a school of journalism. The school is now one of the top-ranked journalism programs in the country.

5. On January 29, 1979, the Blizzard of '79 struck Missouri and the surrounding states, causing widespread power outages and travel disruptions. On the same day, ozark Mountain Daredevils' album "It'll Shine When It Shines" was certified gold by the RIAA.