On August 8, the following notable historical events related to Missouri have been recorded:
- 1804: The Lewis and Clark Expedition was near present-day Council Bluffs, Iowa, across from Missouri’s Atchison County, on or around August 8. They continued documenting the region’s resources and interactions with Native American tribes, advancing their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1838: During the Mormon War in Missouri, tensions escalated further. On or around August 8, the aftermath of the Gallatin Election Day Battle saw non-Mormon vigilantes in Daviess and Carroll Counties intensifying attacks on Mormon settlers, contributing to the conflict that led to the Mormon expulsion order later in 1838.
- 1861: During the Civil War, Missouri remained a battleground. On August 8, Union forces under General Nathaniel Lyon were in final preparations near Springfield, Missouri, for the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, which occurred two days later, marking a significant clash in the state.
- 1876: The St. Louis-based Missouri Botanical Garden, founded by Henry Shaw, hosted a significant public exhibition around August 8, showcasing rare plant species and reinforcing its status as a leading botanical research center.
- 1904: The St. Louis World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was ongoing, with August 8 featuring international scientific exhibits and early Olympic events, highlighting Missouri’s global cultural and economic prominence.
- 1967: The St. Louis Cardinals played a notable game against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium on August 8, with Bob Gibson pitching a complete game and Orlando Cepeda hitting a key home run, contributing to their World Series-winning season and reinforcing Missouri’s baseball legacy.