In 1820 the first Missouri constitution provided that "one school or more shall be established in each township, as soon as practicable and necessary, where the poor will be taught gratis.'"

On August 10, 1821, Missouri became the 24th state.

In 1843 Palmyra public school system was established. "There were six teachers in the place, including four that were employed in the public school, one for a public white school, and one for a private African American school. In September of this year there was a general withdrawal of pupils from the public school. It had not long been existence, and there was a considerable prejudice against it in favor of private schools. The public school system, involving the education of the children of poor men (in the same room and by the same teachers) with the children of rich men was not universally popular at that day, being considered too democratic by the would - be aristocrats. The four teachers tendered their resignations to the board of trustees and the school was closed for a season. It was reorganized and started up again after a while, mainly through the efforts of Captain William Carson, president of the board."

In 1843 the total number of children attending schools in Marion County was 2,347 at a cost of $1.48 per child.

In 1866 four female teachers (2 were nuns) were indicted for teaching without taking the Drake Oath. They were arrested, but never brought to trial or conviction. The U.S. Supreme court later ruled that the Drake Oath was unconstitutional.

In 1907 Missouri had the largest permanent school fund in the U.S.A.

In the early 1940's the basement of the Lanius Building was being used as the lunch room. The cafeteria we have today was a part of the 1961 addition.

In 1944 the first basketball tournament was located in the new gym. The tournament involved two brackets. The two brackets consisted of sixteen teams.

Textbooks became free of charge for all high school students in 1973.

The north end of the hallway on the second floor was where the Elementary school principal's office was. Underneath the south bleachers was where the high school principal was housed.