THIS DAY IN MISSOURI HISTORY - • October 10, 1700 – A French missionary, Father Gravier, noted in his journal, “Discovered the river Mirameguoua, where the rich lead mine is situated, 12 or 13 leagues from its mouth.” Today we refer to that river as the Meramec. “Meramec” (Mirameguoua) is an Osage word meaning “catfish.” • October 10, 1764 – The sad remains of the Missouri Tribe appeared at St. Louis on this day. The 400 demanded that they be allowed to live in the town. They demanded provisions and then stole them. Most of the colonists fled across the Mississippi until Pierre Laclede talked the Indians into leaving. • October 10, 1820 – This was the birth date of Silas Bent from St. Louis. Sailing in both the Atlantic and Pacific, he was recognized by the Navy for his contributions to oceanography. When the War Between the States began he resigned his commission due to his Southern sympathies. In 1964 the Navy named the oceanographic survey ship the USNS Silas Bent in his honor. • October 10, 1831 – James H. Slavens preached the first sermon ever delivered in Springfield, at the home of William Fulbright on West Walnut Street. • October 10, 1836 – The early steamboat, Diana belonging to the American Fur Company sank above Rocheport with her entire load of furs. TRIVIA: There was a lot of money to be made in steamboating but the rivers were much more dangerous and unpredictable than they are today. The average life of a riverboat was 3-5 years. Many got started in the business by salvaging and rebuilding sunken boats. Others were able to salvage sunken cargoes. • October 10, 1904 – A passenger train loaded with people bound for the St. Louis World’s Fair collided head-on with a freight train near Warrensburg. 30 dead and dozens more injured.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Oct 2013 11:15:37 +0000
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