Missouri Territory delegates approve a proposed state constitution

Background. Missouri's path to statehood began with a territorial legislature request in November 1818. The federal Missouri Compromise, passed in March 1820, cleared the way for Missouri's entry as a slave state. This legislative framework enabled the drafting of a new constitution in 1820, which included a residency restriction, setting the stage for admission in 1821.

Constitutional Provisions. The proposed constitution required the legislature to enact laws ensuring humane treatment of enslaved people, though protections were limited in practice. It also included a clause excluding 'free negroes and mulattoes' from the state. These provisions reflected the political compromises of the era.

Legacy Correction. The legacy row claims delegates approved the constitution on June 12, 1820, in St. Louis. However, the supplied passages do not confirm this specific date or the exact quote 'free and independent republic.' The passages confirm the constitution was written in 1820 and that Missouri was admitted in 1821, but do not provide the specific approval date or the exact wording cited in the legacy row.