July 9th This Day in Missouri

On July 9, the following notable historical events related to Missouri have been recorded:

• 1804: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, traveling along the Missouri River, was near present-day Buchanan County, Missouri, on or around July 9. The explorers recorded observations of the region’s wildlife and Native American presence, furthering their documentation of the Louisiana Purchase.
• 1854: Missouri’s role in the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict intensified. On or around July 9, pro-slavery Missourians held meetings in Westport to plan interventions in Kansas Territory elections, escalating tensions over slavery’s expansion.
• 1861: During the Civil War, Union forces in Missouri were preparing for major engagements. On July 9, General Nathaniel Lyon’s troops were active in southwest Missouri, setting the stage for the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, with skirmishes reported near Springfield.
• 1872: The Missouri Pacific Railroad, a key transportation network, expanded its lines through central Missouri around July 9, boosting economic development and connectivity in towns like Jefferson City and Sedalia.
• 1920: The St. Louis Cardinals played a notable game against the New York Giants at Sportsman’s Park, with Rogers Hornsby hitting a key home run, contributing to a Cardinals victory and reinforcing St. Louis’s baseball legacy.