1. Emancipation Day: June 19, also known as Juneteenth, is the day that commemorates the emancipation of slaves in the United States. In Missouri, it was on this day in 1865 that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and informed slaves that they were free. This news took two and a half years to reach Texas due to the Civil War.

2. Missouri is Among the Last to Recognize Juneteenth: Missouri was among the last states in the U.S. to recognize Juneteenth as a state holiday. It wasn't until June 2019 that Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed into law that June 19 would be recognized as a state holiday.

3. First Black-Owned Hospital: On June 19, 1907, the first Black-owned hospital was founded in St. Louis, Missouri. The hospital, Hardscrabble Hospital, was founded by Dr. M. E. Norman, and it served primarily the African-American community of St. Louis.

4. First Gasoline Pump Patent: On June 19, 1900, Missouri native S.F. Bowser received the first patent for a gasoline pump. This patent revolutionized the gas station industry and made it possible for consumers to pump gasoline into their cars.

5. State Bird Designated: On June 19, 1929, the Missouri General Assembly designated the bluebird as the official state bird. The bluebird is a symbol of happiness and good fortune, and it is also a common bird species found throughout Missouri.