July 21st This Day in Missouri

On July 21, the following notable historical events related to Missouri have been recorded:

• 1804: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, navigating the Missouri River, was near present-day Nebraska City, Nebraska, across from Missouri’s Nemaha County, on or around July 21. They documented the region’s wildlife and held a council with Otoe and Missouri tribes, advancing their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase.
• 1838: During the Mormon War in Missouri, tensions continued to rise. On or around July 21, non-Mormon residents in Daviess County escalated harassment of Mormon settlers, with threats and minor clashes, contributing to the conflict that led to the Mormon expulsion later in 1838.
• 1861: During the Civil War, Missouri remained a battleground. On July 21, Union forces under General Nathaniel Lyon were engaged in minor skirmishes in southwest Missouri near Springfield, part of preparations for the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.
• 1873: The St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch brewery introduced its first lager beer, Busch, around July 21, marking a milestone in Missouri’s brewing industry, which would later make Budweiser a global brand.
• 1904: The St. Louis World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was ongoing, with July 21 featuring international culinary exhibits and cultural performances, reinforcing Missouri’s status as a global hub.
• 1965: The Gateway Arch in St. Louis neared completion, with significant construction progress reported around July 21. This iconic monument, celebrating Missouri’s role in westward expansion, became a symbol of the state.