1. Missouri became the 24th state in the United States on August 10, 1821. However, on May 24, 1822, the Missouri General Assembly enacted legislation that established the Missouri Geological Survey. This organization played a pivotal role in promoting research and exploration of Missouri's geological resources.

2. On May 24, 1844, the first telegraph message was sent from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, Maryland. This groundbreaking communication technology revolutionized the way information was transmitted and helped to establish Missouri as a key transportation hub.

3. May 24, 1883 marked the opening of the Kansas City Stockyards, which became a major center for livestock trading and processing. At its peak, the stockyards covered over 200 acres and handled millions of animals each year.

4. On May 24, 1935, a tornado ripped through the city of Eldon, Missouri, causing extensive damage and killing 10 people. The tornado was part of a larger outbreak that affected several states and resulted in over 300 fatalities.

5. May 24, 1957 saw the dedication of the Wainwright Building in St. Louis. Designed by the renowned architect Louis Sullivan, the Wainwright Building was one of the first skyscrapers in the world and a landmark of the Chicago School of architecture. Today, it remains a prominent feature of the St. Louis skyline and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.