1541

Hernando DeSoto was the first European to explore the area of present-day Missouri.

1735

The first settlement was founded at Ste. Genevieve by French hunters and miners.

1803

The United States gained possession of the territory as part of The Louisiana Purchase.

1821

Missouri was admitted to the Union as the 24th state.

1861-1865

Divided loyalties to the slavery issue made the state a battlefield for both pro- and anti-slavery forces.

Source: State of Missouri.