1735

Ste. Genevieve, first permanent settlement in Missouri founded

1803

Louisiana Purchase agreement made (April 30)

1804

United States took formal possession of Louisiana

Lewis and Clark started expedition up the Missouri River

1807

Robert Fulton's steamboat makes first trip between New York City and Albany

1811

New Madrid earthquake

1812

Congress declares war on Britain

First General Assembly of the Territory of Missouri met

1820

Missouri Enabling Act passed and approved by President Monroe

1821

President Monroe proclaimed Missouri statehood

State Capitol site located at present site of Jefferson City

1825

Osage and Kansas Indians ceded all lands lying within Missouri

Shawnees given land outside Missouri in exchange for Missouri lands

1826

Permanent seat of government established at Jefferson City

1835

Springfield becomes the county seat of Greene County

1836

Texas, formerly a Mexican territory, declares itself an independent republic

1837

Missouri troops take part in Seminole War in Florida

1838

Springfield is incorporated with a population of 300

1846

Regiments raised for Mexican War

1848

Gold discovered in California

1849

Missouri Pacific Railroad chartered

1850

First telegraph lines in Missouri

1851

Construction of first Missouri Railroad, the Pacific, began

1852

First passenger train in Missouri operated (Pacific Railroad)

1853

Reorganization of school system, state money granted for support

1856

State Teachers Association organized

1857

Dred Scott decision invalidates Missouri Compromise

1857

St. Louis Normal School opened

1858

The first westbound stage of Butterfield Overland Mail arrives in Springfield

1860

Pony Express started from St. Joseph

1862

Massachusetts enacted the first law compelling children to attend public school.