Missouri State University–West Plains will host a public presentation on The Great Tornado of 1925 at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at the Garnett Library, 304 W. Trish Knight St. Author and historian Steve Wiegenstein will lead the program, using contemporary accounts and archival images to revisit Missouri’s experience during the Tri-State Tornado—the deadliest tornado in U.S. history.
The storm, often called “the forgotten tornado,” began in the Ozarks before cutting a destructive path through southeast Missouri and continuing into Illinois and Indiana. The event is sponsored by the Ozarks Heritage Research Center and the Missouri Speakers Bureau.
The presentation is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided. For more information, residents may call 417-255-7945 or visit WP.MissouriState.edu/Ozarks.
