HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MISSOURI

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Every American knows the country's birthday is July 4. But how many Missourians know the day their state was born?

Several state lawmakers were given a pop quiz on the question. The responses were likely typical of those most Missourians would give -- none of them knew.

"Oh gosh," state Rep. Rob Mayer, R-Dexter, said, laughing. "When is Missouri's birthday? What if I guess the right year? Was it 1821? Whew. That one I don't know. Let me research it, and I'll call you back."

"Boy, I don't know. I really don't," said a perplexed state Rep. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau.

"I know the year was 1821," said Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau. "I'm afraid I don't know the date of entry into statehood and or what month. I'm running up and down my memory banks to see if I can recall. I'm drawing a blank."

After a long silence, state Rep. Phillip Britt, D-Kennett, said: "That is a good question. I don't know."

Britt did know the year 1820 is on the official state seal. More on that later.

The state's birthday is, in fact, today.

On Aug. 10, 1821, Missouri became the 24th state of the Union, meaning the state today reaches the ripe old age of 180.

Not an observance

The lawmakers shouldn't feel too bad about not knowing. Few people probably do. Unlike the Fourth of July, the Tenth of August isn't a major holiday.

There is a Missouri Day, which the Legislature established in 1915 as a day for schools to commemorate important events and people in state history. However, the day falls on the third Wednesday in October. Why that day is anybody's guess, and no one gets a paid holiday.

Dr. Frank Nickell, a history professor at Southeast Missouri State University, noted that the area now known as Missouri became part of the U.S. with the acquisition of the Louisiana Territory from France in 1803. Missouri became a separate territory in 1812, but Nickell agreed that statehood is the mark by which Missouri's age should be judged.

"By most historical views, that has to be considered Missouri's birthday," said Nickell, who, by the way, didn't know the exact date either.

Had the statehood process gone differently, that date would have been earlier.

By the late 1817, the Missouri Territory had a large enough population to apply to Congress for statehood. In 1819, Congress passed legislation authorizing Missouri's territorial Legislature to draft a state Constitution, which was submitted for congressional approval in 1820.

Missouri's acceptance into the Union was expected to quickly follow, and by September 1820 many believed Missouri was indeed a state, which is why that year appears on the state seal. However, a provision of the proposed Constitution caused a ruckus that would impact the course of national events.

Race an issue

At the time, Missouri was home to a number of slaves. The controversial provision barred blacks from entering the state, save as property.

Nickell said that sparked a major debate after Massachusetts lawmakers noted that a number of free blacks were citizens. The U.S. Constitution bars states from restricting the travel of citizens of other states, making the Missouri provision unconstitutional.

"What they wanted to do was prevent free blacks from stepping into the state," Nickell said. "It was a really tricky, complex racial issue that bogged down the whole process. It was just a mess."

The result was the Missouri Compromise. Under the deal, Missouri lawmakers agreed to enact a law promising not to enforce the disputed section of the state Constitution.

Also, Maine, which had been a province of Massachusetts, would enter the Union as a free state. Although Maine lacked the requisite minimum population for statehood, Congress granted a waiver to offset Missouri's admission as a slave state.

"That started the whole process of balancing slave states with free states," Nickell said.

When California became the 31st state in 1850, congressional power tipped in favor of free states. The Compromise of 1850 granted concessions to southern states and temporarily delayed the Civil War. However, the 30-year federal policy of maintaining equal numbers of slave and free states established following Missouri's admittance to the Union ended.

"That whole issue of Missouri's admission, Missouri's policy on slavery and Missouri's policy on free citizens of other states changed American history," Nickell said.

Want to go?

What: Celebration of the 180th anniversary of Missouri statehood. Activities include demonstrations of early 19th century crafts, special exhibits and historical re-enactors in period costume. Missouri birthday cake and refreshments will be served.

Where: First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, 200 S. Main Street, St. Charles, Mo.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

COST: Free