1. On May 13, 1938, the Union Electric Company's new power plant in Labadie, Missouri, was dedicated. It was the largest single turbine generator built at that time and provided electricity to the St. Louis area for many years.

2. May 13, 1861, was the date Missouri seceded from the Union during the early days of the Civil War. The state was eventually readmitted to the Union in 1865.

3. On May 13, 1888, the St. Louis Browns played their first home game in what is now known as Sportsman's Park. The Browns, who later became the St. Louis Cardinals, went on to win 14-10 against the Chicago White Stockings.

4. May 13, 1905, was the date the University of Missouri dedicated its new library building, which was most recently known as Ellis Library. The building offered students a wide range of cutting-edge resources, including one of the first card catalog systems in the world.

5. On May 13, 1914, construction began on the Jefferson City Bridge, which would span the Missouri River and connect Jefferson City to the west side of the river. The bridge was completed in 1929 and allowed for more efficient transportation across the state.