1. In 1825, the University of Missouri was founded as the first public university west of the Mississippi River. Today, it is a major research institution and one of the largest universities in the state.

2. On October 17, 1861, the Battle of Fredericktown was fought during the Civil War. Union forces under Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant defeated Confederate troops, marking an important victory for the Union in Missouri.

3. In 1931, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Burleigh Grimes became the oldest player to win a World Series game at age 37. Grimes pitched a complete game against the Philadelphia Athletics in Game 3 of the series.

4. On October 17, 1954, the first flight of the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo took place in St. Louis. The supersonic fighter jet was used by the United States Air Force during the Cold War.

5. In 1986, the first meeting of the Missouri Athletic Club Sports Hall of Fame was held in St. Louis. The hall of fame honors notable athletes and sports figures from Missouri.