On this date, Hiram Leffingwell presented his plans for a huge city park west of Kingshighway in St. Louis. Forest Park was to become a jewel of the state and the Midwest.

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.