1. In 1928, the first television station west of the Mississippi River aired its first programs in St. Louis, Missouri. The radio station KSD began broadcasting experimental television programs to a few dozen viewers.

2. On July 7, 1917, the deadliest race riot in Missouri history occurred in East St. Louis. A group of white men attacked African American residents and businesses, resulting in at least 39 deaths and hundreds of injuries.

3. In 1948, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways was established, becoming the first national park to be created to protect a river system. The park spans 80,000 acres in southeastern Missouri, including parts of the Current and Jacks Fork rivers.

4. Legendary Missouri politician and statesman, Thomas Hart Benton, was born on July 7, 1782, in Hillsboro, North Carolina. After moving to Missouri and serving as a U.S. Senator, Benton is credited with coining the phrase, "Manifest Destiny," which promoted the expansion of the United States westward.

5. In 1977, the famous Branson, Missouri, entertainment complex, Silver Dollar City, opened its doors. The park, which features rides, attractions, and live shows, has grown to become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, drawing millions of visitors per year.