Missouri State Archives & Charter Media team up
Moments in Missouri Political History Video Segments

Segment

Thomas Hart Benton was the son of a congressman, his great uncle and namesake was Missouri’s first senator. Although Benton did not follow his family’s path into politics, he caused a political stir with his paintings. In 1935, the Missouri legislature hired Benton to paint a mural of Missouri’s history in the House of Representatives Lounge. The mural featured scenes or corruption in government and barroom brawls. And them when it was unveiled, politicians severely criticized it. Benton refused to make changes and argued that it was a realistic picture of Missouri life. In this instance, history triumphed over politics and today…the mural is one of the most anticipated sights on a visit to the Missouri State Capitol.