Frontier Justice in Early Missouri: Was There Any?

9/9/2026 | First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site | St. Charles, MO.

Historical Background

When Missouri was a remote colony of France and Spain in the 1700s, how did the colonists settle their disputes? Unlike the Hollywood pictures of the Old West, there were no gunfights at high noon, but disputes were settled and the desperadoes were dealt with in ways that were fair and popular. These methods could rely on either written laws or local customs.

After the Louisiana Purchase, a whole new system of laws was introduced. These new laws were not always popular, and the clash between the old and the new created both long-lasting problems and surprising situations.

The Program

Join us in the historic site's interpretive center from 7-8 p.m. for this free program that sheds light on the justice system of early Missouri. Everyone is welcome, and there is no need to register.

For more information, call First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site at 636-940-3322 or visit us at 200 S. Main St. in downtown St. Charles.