On July 12, the following notable historical events related to Missouri have been recorded:
- 1804: The Lewis and Clark Expedition was navigating the Missouri River, camping near present-day Nemaha County, Nebraska, just across from Missouri’s Holt County, on or around July 12. They documented the region’s wildlife and river conditions, advancing their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1838: During the Mormon War in Missouri, tensions continued to rise. On or around July 12, non-Mormon vigilantes in Daviess County began harassing Mormon settlers, escalating conflicts that would lead to the state’s expulsion of Mormons later in 1838.
- 1861: During the Civil War, Missouri remained a hotbed of conflict. On July 12, Union forces under General Nathaniel Lyon were engaged in minor skirmishes in southwest Missouri, particularly near Springfield, as they prepared for the larger Battle of Wilson’s Creek.
- 1873: The Kansas City Stockyards, a major economic hub for Missouri, officially opened around July 12, establishing Kansas City as a key center for the livestock trade and boosting the state’s agricultural economy.
- 1904: The St. Louis World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was ongoing, with July 12 featuring prominent displays of Native American cultures and technological innovations, further highlighting Missouri’s global cultural significance.