July 29th This Day in Missouri

On July 29, 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 Otoe County, Nebraska, across from Missouri’s Atchison County, on or around July 29. They continued their council with Otoe and Missouri tribes, documenting cultural exchanges and the region’s resources, advancing their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase.
• 1838: During the Mormon War in Missouri, tensions escalated further. On or around July 29, non-Mormon vigilantes in Daviess County intensified their campaign against Mormon settlers, with skirmishes and threats contributing to the conflict that led to the Mormon expulsion order later in 1838.
• 1861: During the Civil War, Missouri remained a battleground. On July 29, Union forces under General Nathaniel Lyon were engaged in minor skirmishes in southwest Missouri near Springfield, part of their preparations for the Battle of Wilson’s Creek.
• 1870: The St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern Railway completed a significant expansion through southeast Missouri around July 29, improving transportation to areas like Cape Girardeau and fostering economic growth.
• 1904: The St. Louis World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was ongoing, with July 29 featuring international trade exhibits and cultural performances, reinforcing Missouri’s prominence as a global hub.
• 1954: The St. Louis Cardinals played a notable game against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Busch Stadium, with Stan Musial hitting a walk-off home run, contributing to the team’s legacy and Missouri’s baseball prominence.