January 28, 1817
Governor William Clark authorized a territorial lottery. It was to use profits to purchase fire equipment for the territory’s capital city, which was St. Louis.
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.
Related Posts
Wild Kingdom Host Marlin Perkins is Born: March 28, 1905
Marlin Perkins was born in Carthage, MO on this date. He was an effective and popular head of the St. Louis Zoo and his national television show, "Wild Kingdom," ran for 23 years.
February 22, 1803
Congress set aside money on this date for a small military unit to explore the valleys of the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. Thomas Jefferson chose a childhood friend, Meriwether Lewis, to head the expedition.
January 30, 1984
Robert and Anna Rucker liked to play the lottery.