REMEMER THE DATE: aUG. 10 IS WHEN STATEHOOD BEGAN

Here is a bit of Missouri trivia to file away for an appropriate occasion:

What anniversary did Missourians celebrate this week? The exact date was Aug. 10.

It was the 173rd anniversary of statehood. Aug. 10, 1821, was when President James Monroe signed the proclamation admitting Missouri as a state.

Thanks to a bit of research by columnist Jack Stapleton of Kennett, Missourians are reminded that statehood was a long and involved process. It began with a congressional act declaring the state a territory, then a state constitutional convention, then a formal request for statehood, then a statewide election for governor and a few other officials, then approval of the Missouri Compromise in Congress, and finally the president's signature.

Statehood anniversary's aren't big deals. There weren't many fireworks around the state last Wednesday. But it might be worthwhile to remember the event that produced the Show-Me State and thousands of successful -- even famous -- Missourians.

Happy birthday, Missouri.