Day 185
Saint Joseph was first settled as a trading post for the American Fur Co. by Joseph Robidoux in 1826. Later he acquired the site and laid out a town named for his patron saint.
In looking at a map, you would think that Saint Joseph would have been part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. And it would have been but for a clause that gave the Indians in the area this land in perpetuity. That only lasted until 1836 when the Indians sold out (or forced out, depending on who is telling the story) by the Platee Purchase.
Coming down the river, or overland from the East, from this point the pioneers took off for the West. By 1859 St. Joseph was the western terminus for the railroad.
St. Joseph is also famous for an event that took place here on April 3, 1882:
This is the house where that dirty little coward shot Mr. Howard, and laid poor Jesse in his grave.
We took a detour to go to Missouri Western State University. Before reading any more, do you know why?
It was to visit the memorial honoring the most trusted man in America.
Walter let me take his picture.
The 5th Wheel - Now on 4 Wheels 
Hey! You’re near the area where my mother was born and raised. It is a very small town between Chillicothe & Brookfield, MO. My sister & I were there in late Sept. to visit our 89 yr. old aunt. Then, our cousin retired recently from MO Western as he was dept. chair of the psychology dept. There’s a lot of interesting history in the area, including an incident with the movement of the Mormons to UT. Presume you’re heading home before winter arrives! Safe travels. . .
I give up, who are you?