Robert C Jones

Frontier Missouri Robert C Jones

Missouri has had three different nations governing it in its history, including France, Spain and the United States (after the Louisiana Purchase in 1803). While Spain had little lasting cultural impact on the state, French trappers and explorers founded many of the early cities and towns (St. Louis, Cape Girardeau, Westport). This book will examine "Frontier Missouri" from several aspects, starting off with "Key Players", including Thomas Hart Benton, Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark and Jesse James. Several early towns and cities are highlighted that had significant impact on the development of the state, including Hannibal, Independence, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, Springfield, St. Joseph and St. Louis. Missouri was also the starting point for several of the well known 19th century trails, such as the Santa Fe and Oregon trails, as well as the beginning and ending point of the 1804/06 Lewis and Clark Expedition. Finally, we'll examine 6 railroads which had a significant impact in 19th century Missouri, including the Missouri Pacific and the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, or the "Katy".