Fascinating Stories Detail Missouri’s Role in Westward Expansion

Photo courtesy of Visit Joplin

Missouri’s expansion timeline is a historically rich period filled with intriguing places and people.

By Tyler Drag

Missouri is home to a wealth of history – from the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, a symbol of our country’s westward expansion, to the opposite side of the state, once the edge of the nation.

Tracing Missouri’s past at historic destinations is educational and inspirational. Here are a few of the Show-Me State’s most intriguing chapters.

St. Joseph Following the gold rush in California, St. Joseph was chosen to be the headquarters of the Pony Express. Although short-lived, the Pony Express was a surprisingly efficient mail delivery service.

The idea of men delivering mail via a horseback relay system was slow to gain traction with the government at first, but once the company secured a government contract and the route, its stations, horses and employees were ready to start in just three months. You can learn more about this historical delivery service at the National Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph.

St. Joseph is also where famous outlaw Jesse James met his demise at the hands of Robert Ford. After years of stagecoach, bank and train robberies, James finally settled down. He moved to St. Joseph with his family but made the mistake of turning his back on Ford, who shot him just below his right ear. Today, James’ home still stands and is a popular tourist destination in the town. It operates as a museum detailing the life and death of the famous outlaw, as well as artifacts, including a bullet removed from his body and the handles from James’ coffin.

Springfield

Springfield’s Park Central Square is the birthplace of one of the most iconic actions in the “wild west” – the quick draw duel. The nation’s first one-on-one shootout took place in the town square between the famous J.B. “Wild Bill” Hickok and Davis K. Tutt, on July 21, 1865.

The story goes that Wild Bill owed a gambling debt to Tutt, so as insurance, Tutt took a valued watch from the now-legendary folk hero. Although he was warned against it, Tutt decided to wear the watch in public to degrade Wild Bill. This was a huge mistake.

The men failed at negotiating the debt and the return of the watch, so when Wild Bill saw Tutt, the gunslinger gave his final warning. Instead of backing down, Tutt actually doubled down by putting a hand on his gun. The two were already about 75 yards apart and in dueling positions, but when they drew their guns and shot, Wild Bill’s aim proved quicker and truer. Wild Bill killed Tutt and won the first quick draw duel.

This historic moment left its mark on American culture. The city of Springfield provides a downtown audio tour where visitors can listen to eyewitness accounts of the notorious event. An exhibit inside the nearby History Museum on the Square offers visitors the opportunity to test their own dueling skills.

Joplin

It’s fascinating to see where the ride-or-die couple of the 1930s, Bonnie and Clyde, stopped in Joplin. Their chaotic marathon of crime led them to the city, where the couple and their gang decided to stay in a little garage apartment for several weeks before they were involved in a shooting.

Two local officers lost their lives as a result of the shootout, and the lovers managed to escape. Although the infamous couple fled, they left behind a camera with some of their most iconic photos. A local newspaper, the Joplin Globe, had the film developed and the Dorothea B. Hoover Historical Museum displays the photos along with additional artifacts, including jewelry that was left behind.

Independence

Just east of Kansas City is the town of Independence, which hosts the massive SantaCaliGon Days Festival. The festival dates back to 1940, and features a beard and mustache contest, the Miss Independence pageant and a pioneer costume contest. Today, the festival celebrates the important legacy of the City of Independence as the starting point of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. Experience life on the trail with a wagon tour of Independence. Pioneer Trails Adventures will regale your group with the town’s extensive history as you retrace the steps of pioneers. Groups can even opt for a chuck wagon dinner following their tour.

SantaCaliGon Days is looking forward to drawing crowds in 2021. Visitors can expect plenty to do with food vendors, craft beer tents, arts and crafts vendors, and music.•

St. Louis has everything from the monumental to the funky. You can visit Gateway Arch National Park, which underwent a $380 million renovation to the City Museum, which really no words can describe. We are known for our fabulous free attractions and the many wonderful oneof-a-kind attractions you can’t find anywhere else.

EXPLORE ST. LOUIS

Renee M. Eichelberger, CTP, CTIS, CSTP reichelberger@explorestlouis.com 314-992-0643 800-637-9829 www.explorestlouis.com

St. Louis, MO The Monumental to the Funky

Day 1

Union Station is a balance of nostalgia and renovation. The sophisticated Grand Hall features elegant historic touches like the original terrazzo floor, green glazed terracotta bricks, stained glass windows and wooden carpentry detailing.

An innovative and breathtaking 3D light show set to music projects across the Grand Hall’s entire 65-foot vaulted ceiling, every day at 5 p.m., for an exciting mix of old-meets-new.

Anchoring the Union Station development is the stunning St. Louis Aquarium. The 120,000-squarefoot attraction features one-of-a-kind exhibits and tanks housing thousands of aquatic species from the rivers and oceans of the world.

Also, available at St. Louis Union Station: Mirror Maze, Rope Course, The Carousel, Mini Golf, Fire and Light Show and the Grand Hall Light Show.

Food options at St. Louis Union Station: Soda Fountain, Train Shed, 1894 Café, Landry’s Seafood House, Station Grille and the Grand Hall.

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum a state-ofthe-art museum facility in downtown St. Louis honors military service, veterans and their families. Soldiers Memorial shares American military history through the lens of St. Louis. (Free) (1 – 2 hours)

Standing 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch, our nation’s tallest man-made monument, stands as the iconic monument symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. The Gateway Arch National Park experience includes the Tram Ride to the Top, the all-new Museum and cruises aboard the Gateway Arch Riverboats. (2+ hours)

Explore the unexpected at the City Museum. There are 4,000 square feet of man-made caves and tunnels, an enchanted forest with sky tunnels, an aquarium, a working shoelace factory, daily circus performances and much more. There’s even a rooftop adventure that includes a Ferris wheel, a giant slide and a school bus hanging over the edge.

Dinner: The MX District or Washington Ave.

Downtown

Day 2

The World Chess Hall of Fame celebrates one of the world’s oldest and best-loved games. The organization presents exhibitions that explore the history of the game as well as its remarkable impact on arts and culture. (Free) (1 – 1.5 hours)

Grand Center Arts District invites you to immerse yourself in St. Louis’ epicenter for the arts. Here, world-class talent performs, and aspiring artists hone their craft. Eclectic venues line the streets offering everything from Broadway to Black Box Theater, Bebop to Beethoven, street art to galleries and pub-fare to fine dining.

The Fabulous Fox Theater is a magnificently restored theatre in the Grand Center Arts and Entertainment District. The perfect venue to see the hottest Broadway shows and concerts. Prices vary; see website for performance schedule. Tours offered. (1 – 3 hours)

Jazz St. Louis offers the best in live jazz in a newly renovated, intimate 200 seat listening room featuring reserved tables, exceptional sound, clear sight lines, and optional dinner or drinks.