The Treaty of Paris gave England and Spain most of North America. This left Places east of the Mississippi to the British and the Louisiana Territory went to Spain. Frenchmen, afraid of British rule, rushed to the Missouri area.

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.