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Affton, Missouri is a suburban area located in the St. Louis County and is known for its peaceful neighborhoods and friendly residents. However, this area has also witnessed several historic events that have had a significant impact on the region and the nation. Here are seven of the most significant historical events that have taken place in and around Affton, MO.
1. Lindbergh Kidnapping: On March 1, 1932, the shocking kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh's infant son, Charles Jr., took place in Hopewell, New Jersey. The baby was found dead weeks later near Affton, Missouri. Richard Hauptmann was later convicted of the crime and executed for his involvement.
2. The Lewis and Clark Expedition: In May 1804, the famed explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on their historic expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase. The duo and their team traveled up the Missouri River and likely passed through or near the Affton area.
3. The Civil War: Missouri played a pivotal role during the Civil War and was the site of several significant battles. The Battle of Pilot Knob took place just 20 miles south of Affton, where Union forces triumphed over the Confederate troops. The Union victory prevented further Confederate advancement into Missouri.
4. The Great Flood of 1993: In the summer of 1993, the Mississippi River swelled beyond its banks and caused the worst flood in modern history. The flooding lasted for months and caused significant damage to the area. Several neighborhoods in Affton were affected, and it took years for the region to recover.
5. Underground Railroad: The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the northern states. Missouri was a slave state, but some citizens opposed slavery and supported the Underground Railroad. Some of the stops on the network were likely located near Affton.
6. Prohibition and Al Capone: During Prohibition, Missouri became a hub for illegal alcohol and attracted notorious gangsters such as Al Capone. In 1930, Capone was arrested in St. Louis, just 10 miles from Affton. He was later convicted of tax evasion and spent time in a federal prison in Kansas.
7. Native American Settlements: Missouri has a rich Native American history, and the region that is now Affton was historically inhabited by the Osage tribe. Before European settlers arrived, the Osage people hunted and fished along the nearby rivers and lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle.
In conclusion, while Affton may be a quiet suburban area today, it has played a remarkable role in the nation's history through its involvement in significant events such as the Lindbergh Kidnapping, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Civil War, the Great Flood of 1993, the Underground Railroad, Prohibition and Al Capone, and the Native American presence. These events have shaped the region's identity and influenced the trajectory of the nation in different ways.
7 Pieces Of History Near Affton, MO
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