January 24th has been a significant day in Missouri’s history for a variety of reasons.
On this day in 1861, Missouri became the 10th state to secede from the Union during the American Civil War. The state’s governor, Claiborne Fox Jackson, had been a strong supporter of the Confederacy and had worked to bring Missouri into the rebellion. However, the state’s pro-Union legislature rejected his efforts and ultimately voted to remain in the Union. This led to a split in the state, with Confederate sympathizers in the western part of the state forming their own government and joining the Confederacy.
Another significant event that occurred on January 24th was in 1864, when the Battle of Jacksonport took place in Arkansas. This was a minor engagement between Union and Confederate forces during the Civil War, but it marked the first time that African American soldiers fought in a battle in the state of Missouri. The Union soldiers, many of whom were former slaves, fought bravely and were able to repel the Confederate attackers.
In 1887, a significant event happened on January 24th when the Missouri State Capitol Building was officially dedicated in Jefferson City. The building, which was designed by architect Elijah E. Myers, is a grand example of late 19th-century architecture and is still in use today as the seat of government for the state of Missouri.
Overall, January 24th has been a day of great significance in Missouri’s history, marked by both triumphs and struggles. From the state’s secession from the Union during the Civil War to the dedication of the State Capitol Building, this day has played a key role in shaping the state’s past and present.