On August 2, 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 Council Bluffs, Iowa, across from Missouri’s Atchison County, on or around August 2. They continued their council with Otoe and Missouri tribes, documenting the region’s geography and diplomatic exchanges, advancing their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1838: During the Mormon War in Missouri, conflicts intensified. On August 2, a significant event known as the Gallatin Election Day Battle occurred in Daviess County, where non-Mormon residents clashed with Mormon settlers attempting to vote, escalating the violence that led to the Mormon expulsion order later in 1838.
- 1861: During the Civil War, Missouri saw ongoing military activity. On August 2, Union forces under General Nathaniel Lyon were engaged in skirmishes in southwest Missouri near Springfield, as they positioned themselves for the impending Battle of Wilson’s Creek.
- 1875: The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia was in its final planning stages around August 2, preparing for its first event later that year. This fair became a key showcase for Missouri’s agricultural and cultural heritage.
- 1904: The St. Louis World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was ongoing, with August 2 featuring international agricultural exhibits and athletic competitions, including early Olympic events, reinforcing Missouri’s global prominence.
- 1923: The Kansas City Star published a major investigative report on or around August 2, exposing labor exploitation in Missouri’s meatpacking industry, highlighting the state’s role in early labor reform efforts.