History of Missouri in Timeline
Missouri, a Midwestern state in the U.S., is the 21st largest by land area. It's bordered by eight other states. The Ozarks, a forested highland region, dominates the southern part of the state, providing natural resources and recreational opportunities. The St. Francois Mountains are some of the oldest in the world. The Missouri and Mississippi Rivers define its geography. With a population exceeding six million, it's the 19th most populous state, with major cities including St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and Columbia. Jefferson City is the capital.
2 days ago : EF2 Tornado Causes Chaos and Destruction in Missouri, Trapping Residents; Watch the Aftermath
An EF2 tornado ripped through Arnold, Missouri, causing chaos and destruction. Residents were caught on camera as the tornado hit, with significant damage reported to businesses and homes. People were trapped and the community is reeling.
1904: Missouri's Bellwether Status
Beginning in 1904, Missouri had a long stretch of supporting the winning presidential candidate.
1904: Folk Elected Governor
In 1904, Joseph "Holy Joe" Folk was elected governor as a progressive reformer and Democrat. He promoted "the Missouri Idea", focusing on public morality and strict law enforcement.
1904: 1904 Summer Olympics
In 1904, St. Louis hosted the Summer Olympics, marking the first time the games were held in the United States.
February 13, 1905: Lowest Recorded Temperature
On February 13, 1905, Missouri's lowest recorded temperature of -40 °F (-40 °C) was reached at Warsaw.
1905: Establishment of Normal Schools
In 1905, Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University) and Northwest Missouri State University were established.
1910: Rejection of Prohibition
Missouri voters rejected prohibition in a referendum in 1910.
1912: Rejection of Prohibition
Missouri voters rejected prohibition in a referendum in 1912.
1915: Establishment of Normal Schools
In 1915, Missouri Western State University was established.
1918: Rejection of Prohibition
Missouri voters rejected prohibition in a referendum in 1918.
1928: Hannibal-LaGrange University Relocation
Hannibal–LaGrange University moved to Hannibal in 1928.
1930: Diphtheria Epidemic
In 1930, a diphtheria epidemic occurred around Springfield, Missouri, killing approximately 100 people before serum and medical personnel stopped it.
1934: Alcohol Regulation Begins
Alcohol regulation in Missouri did not begin until 1934.
1937: Establishment of Normal Schools
In 1937, Missouri Southern State University was established.
1944: Harry Truman elected Vice President
Harry Truman was elected vice-president in 1944.
1944: Presidential Elections Accuracy Rate Comparison
Missouri's accuracy rate for the last 29 presidential elections is now 89.66%. This percentage is on par with that of Ohio, which has voted for the winner of every presidential election since 1896, except in 1944, 1960 and 2020.
1945: Harry Truman Becomes President
Harry S Truman became the 33rd President of the United States in 1945.
1945: Adoption of Missouri Constitution
In 1945, the Constitution of Missouri, the state's fourth constitution, was adopted, establishing the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.
1947: Deadliest tornado in the US
In 1947 there was the deadliest tornado in the US before Joplin.
July 1948: Executive Order 9981
In July 1948, President Harry S. Truman, who grew up in Missouri where segregation was practiced, issued Executive Order 9981, prohibiting racial segregation in the armed forces.
1953: Harry Truman Retirement
After retiring as president in 1953, Harry S Truman lived in Independence.
July 14, 1954: Highest Recorded Temperature
On July 14, 1954, Missouri's highest recorded temperature of 118 °F (48 °C) was reached at Warsaw and Union.
1956: Missouri Supports Stevenson
In 1956 Democratic candidate Adlai Stevenson of neighboring Illinois lost the election despite carrying Missouri.
1956: First Interstate Highway Project
In 1956, St. Charles claims to be the site of the first interstate highway project. This highway construction facilitated the migration of middle-class residents from the city to newer suburban housing developments.
1957: Last EF5 before Joplin
In 1957 was the last time an EF5 tornado hit Missouri before Joplin.
1960: Electorally Competitive
In 1960, Missouri remained electorally competitive and did not disenfranchise African Americans, who comprised less than 10% of the state's population. Missouri never implemented a poll tax as a requirement to vote.
1960: Presidential Elections Accuracy Rate Comparison
Missouri's accuracy rate for the last 29 presidential elections is now 89.66%. This percentage is on par with that of Ohio, which has voted for the winner of every presidential election since 1896, except in 1944, 1960 and 2020.
1964: Wilderness Act
In 1964, the Wilderness Act was passed, designating wilderness areas for preservation, including second growth public forests like the Mark Twain National Forest.
1972: Death of Harry S Truman
Harry S Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, died in 1972.
1982: Blue Highways on Bestseller List
In 1982, William Least Heat-Moon's 'Blue Highways' appeared on The New York Times Bestseller list.
1983: Blue Highways on Bestseller List
In 1983, William Least Heat-Moon's 'Blue Highways' continued on The New York Times Bestseller list.
1996: Last Democrat to Win Missouri
The last Democrat winning the state was Bill Clinton in 1996.
2000: Republican Presidential Candidate Support
Since 2000, Missouri has always voted for the Republican Presidential candidate.
2000: Population center
The U.S. census of 2000 found that the mean population center is in Phelps County.
2001: Missouri Agriculture
In 2001, Missouri had 108,000 farms, which was the second-largest number in any state after Texas, highlighting the significance of agriculture in the state.
2002: Voters Vote to Keep Low Cigarette Taxes
In 2002, the state electorate voted to keep cigarette excise taxes low.
2004: Amendment 3 Passage
Following the passage of Amendment 3 in late 2004, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) began its Smoother, Safer, Sooner road-building program.
2004: Demographics
In 2004, 6.6% of Missouri's population was younger than 5, 25.5% younger than 18, and 13.5% was 65 or older. Also, 81.3% of Missouri residents were high school graduates and 21.6% had a bachelor's degree or higher.
2004: Foreign-born population
In 2004, the population of Missouri included 194,000 foreign-born people, representing 3.4% of the state's population.
2004: End of Bellwether Streak
Missouri had voted for the winning presidential candidate in every election from 1904 to 2004 with a single exception.
2005: Tourism in Missouri
In 2005, Missouri received 16,695,000 visitors to its national parks and other recreational areas, generating $7.41 million in annual revenues.
2006: Traffic Deaths Decreased
From 2005 to 2006 traffic deaths have decreased annually from 1,257 to 1,096.
2006: Voters Vote to Keep Low Cigarette Taxes
In 2006, the state electorate voted to keep cigarette excise taxes low.
December 2007: MoDOT Road-Building Program Goal
By December 2007, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) aimed to bring 2,200 miles (3,500 km) of highways up to good condition through its Smoother, Safer, Sooner road-building program.
2007: St. Louis Best City for Smokers
In 2007, Forbes named St. Louis, Missouri, America's "best city for smokers".
October 2008: Support for Statewide Smoking Ban
In October 2008, a statewide survey found that only 27.5% of Missourians supported a statewide ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants.
2008: Percentage of Adult Smokers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2008 Missouri had the fourth highest percentage of adult smokers among U.S. states, at 24.5%.
2008: Traffic Deaths Decreased
From 2005 to 2008 traffic deaths have decreased annually to 960.
2008: Obama Elected to Presidency
Missouri voted for John McCain over Democrat Barack Obama of neighboring Illinois, despite Obama being elected to the Presidency in 2008.
2009: Traffic Deaths Decreased
From 2005 to 2009 traffic deaths have decreased annually to 878.
2009: Wind Capacity Increase
In 2009, Missouri's wind capacity increased to 309 MW.
2009: Population density
In 2009, the state's population density of 86.9 people per square mile was closer to the national average (86.8 in 2009) than any other state.
2010: African Americans in St. Louis
As of the 2010 census, 56.6% of African Americans in the state lived in St. Louis or St. Louis County.
2010: Traffic Deaths Decreased
From 2005 to 2010 traffic deaths have decreased annually to 821.
2010: Household Statistics
In 2010, Missouri had 2,349,955 households with 2.45 people per household, a homeownership rate of 70.0%, and a median household income of $46,262.
2010: Largest Denominations
In 2010, the largest religious denominations by number of adherents in Missouri were the Southern Baptist Convention, the Roman Catholic Church, and the United Methodist Church.
2010: Population center
The U.S. census of 2010 found that the population center of the United States is in Texas County, while the 2000 census found the mean population center to be in Phelps County.
April 22, 2011: EF4 Tornado Damages Lambert-St. Louis International Airport
On April 22, 2011, an EF4 tornado damaged Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.
May 22, 2011: EF-5 Tornado in Joplin
On May 22, 2011, a massive EF-5 tornado struck Joplin, Missouri, killing 158 people and causing $1–3 billion in damages.
2011: Traffic Deaths Decreased
From 2005 to 2011 traffic deaths have decreased annually to 786.
2011: Minority population
In 2011, 28.1% of Missouri's population younger than age 1 were minorities.
2011: Missouri Electricity Generation Sources
In 2011, 82% of Missouri's electricity was generated by coal, 10% by nuclear power, 5% by natural gas, and 1% by hydroelectric sources.
October 24, 2012: Registered Voters in Missouri
On October 24, 2012, there were 4,190,936 registered voters in Missouri. Democratic Senator Claire McCaskill and Democratic Governor Jay Nixon were re-elected.
2012: Missouri Electricity Generation Capacity
In 2012, Missouri had roughly 22,000 MW of installed electricity generation capacity.
2012: Voters Vote to Keep Low Cigarette Taxes
In 2012, the state electorate voted to keep cigarette excise taxes low.
2012: Missouri Crude Oil Production
In fiscal year 2012, oil wells in Missouri produced 120,000 barrels of crude oil.
2012: Missouri Voted for Romney
Missouri voted for Mitt Romney by nearly 10% in 2012.
2013: Freedom in the 50 States Study Ranking
For 2013, the annual "Freedom in the 50 States" study prepared by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University ranked Missouri as #3 in America for alcohol freedom and #1 for tobacco freedom (#7 for freedom overall).
2014: Religious Affiliation
According to a 2014 Pew Research study, 80% of Missourians identify with a religion, with 77% affiliated with Christianity.
2014: Michael Brown Shooting and Protests
In 2014, Missouri gained national attention due to protests and riots following the shooting of Michael Brown by a police officer in Ferguson, leading to the Missouri National Guard being called out. A Department of Justice investigation revealed unconstitutional practices by the Ferguson Police Department.
2014: Partial Decriminalization of Cannabis
In 2014, Missouri partially decriminalized possession of cannabis by making first-time possession of up to 10 grams no longer punishable with jail time.
September 2015: Student Protests at the University of Missouri
In September 2015, a series of student protests began at the University of Missouri against what the protesters viewed as a poor response by the administration to racist incidents on campus.
2015: Megabus Discontinues Service
In 2015, Megabus discontinued service to Columbia and Kansas City.
May 2016: KC Streetcar Opens
In May 2016, the KC Streetcar in downtown Kansas City opened.
July 2016: Lowest Cigarette Excise Taxes
As of July 2016, Missouri has the lowest cigarette excise taxes in the United States, at 17 cents per pack.
2016: Solar Installations Reach 141 MW
As of 2016, Missouri's solar installations had reached 141 MW.
2016: Missouri Voted for Trump
Missouri voted for Donald Trump by over 18% in 2016.
June 7, 2017: NAACP Warning to African-American Travelers
On June 7, 2017, the NAACP issued a warning to prospective African-American travelers to Missouri due to concerns about racial disparities in traffic stops and arrests.
2017: Tax Foundation Rating
In 2017, the Tax Foundation rated Missouri as having the 5th-best corporate tax index and the 15th-best overall tax climate.
August 2018: Missouri Voters Reject Right-to-Work Law
In August 2018, Missouri voters rejected a right-to-work law with a vote of 67% to 33%.
November 2018: Medical Marijuana Amendment Approved
In November 2018, 66% of Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment that established a right to medical marijuana.
2018: Net migration increase
From 2010 to 2018, there was an increase of 88,088 people due to net migration into the state.
2018: Monsanto Acquired by Bayer AG
In 2018, Monsanto, a major biotech company based in St. Louis, was acquired by Bayer AG, becoming part of Bayer Corporation's Crop Science Division.
2018: Disparities in traffic stops
In 2018, it was found that "African Americans, Hispanics and other people of color are disproportionately affected by stops, searches and arrests."
2018: USDA Relocation to Kansas City
In 2018, the USDA announced plans to relocate the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute of Food & Agriculture (NIFA) to Kansas City, Missouri.
July 1, 2019: Population Estimate
On July 1, 2019, the United States Census Bureau estimated that the population of Missouri was 6,137,428.
2019: MLS Expansion Team in St. Louis
In 2019, the announcement of a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team in St. Louis drove further development in the downtown west area.
November 3, 2020: Missouri Voter Turnout
On November 3, 2020, Missouri had 4,318,758 registered voters, with 3,026,028 voting (70.1%).
2020: Native American population
In 2020, 30,518 people in Missouri identified as Native American alone, while 152,917 identified as being Native American in combination with one or more other races.
2020: Cost of Voting Index Ranking
In a 2020 study, Missouri was ranked as 48th on the Cost of Voting Index, indicating it was among the states with the highest costs associated with voting.
2020: Missouri Voted for Trump
Missouri voted for Donald Trump by 15% in 2020.
2020: Presidential Elections Accuracy Rate Comparison
Missouri's accuracy rate for the last 29 presidential elections is now 89.66%. This percentage is on par with that of Ohio, which has voted for the winner of every presidential election since 1896, except in 1944, 1960 and 2020.
2022: Kansas City Metropolitan Area Ranking
As of 2022, Kansas City was the 31st-largest metropolitan area in the U.S., with 2.21 million people.
2022: Homeless population
In 2022, there were approximately 5,992 homeless people in Missouri, according to HUD's Annual Homeless Assessment Report.
January 9, 2023: State Auditor Departure
Following the departure from office of State Auditor Nicole Galloway on January 9, 2023, there were no Democrats holding statewide elected positions in Missouri.
2023: Gross State Product
In 2023, Missouri's gross state product was estimated to be $422 billion, with a per capita personal income of $61,302.
2023: Missouri Hyperloop Project Stalls
In December 2023, the Missouri Hyperloop project stalled with the shutdown of Hyperloop One.
2024: Abortion Legal as a Result of Missouri Amendment 3
Abortion in Missouri is legal as a result of 2024 Missouri Amendment 3.
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