1. In 1788, the first permanent settlement in Missouri was established by the French in Ste. Genevieve. The town still exists today and has a rich history.

2. In 1825, the first steamboat arrived in St. Louis, marking the beginning of a new era of transportation on the Mississippi River.

3. In 1861, Missouri was the site of numerous Civil War battles, including the Battle of Carthage and the Battle of Boonville. These battles had a significant impact on the course of the war.

4. In 1938, the Missouri State Highway Patrol was established, providing law enforcement and safety services to the state's residents.

5. In 1985, the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis became the first botanical garden in the world to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its significance as a center for plant conservation and scientific research.