June 16th This Day in Missouri

On June 16, several notable historical events have occurred in Missouri, based on available records:

• 1822: The first steamboat, the Western Engineer, arrived in St. Joseph, Missouri. Designed by Henry M. Shreve, it revolutionized transportation on the Missouri River, facilitating trade and settlement in the region.


• 1933: Missouri became the first U.S. state to enact a sales tax, set at one percent, to generate revenue during the Great Depression.


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  1967: The Gateway Arch in St. Louis was completed. Designed by Eero Saarinen, this 630-foot monument, the tallest arch in the world, commemorates St. Louis’ role as the “Gateway to the West.”