March 17, 1885
The first library had just banned Mark Twain’s new book, Huckleberry Finn. Twain still felt certain that he could sell at least 25,000 copies.
This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.
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March 17, 1992
Columbia native Sam Walton is presented with the Medal of Freedom from President George H.W. Bush. The Hickman High School and Mizzou alum founded Walmart in 1962 and had become the richest man in America by 1985.
March 17, 1820
The riverboat Shamrock fired a salvo inviting everyone in St. Louis to the very first St. Patrick's Day celebration and parade in St. Louis and possibly the first in Missouri. Now they're wearin' the green in St. Louis, Kansas City, Rolla, Saint Patrick, New Haven, Shamrock, and of course in our Irish Wilderness.
February 17, 1857
Iron County was established on this date.