On August 31, the following notable historical events related to Missouri have been recorded:
- 1804: The Lewis and Clark Expedition was near present-day Sioux City, Iowa, across from Missouri’s Atchison County, on or around August 31. They continued documenting the region’s geography and interactions with Native American tribes, advancing their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase.
- 1838: During the Mormon War in Missouri, tensions remained high. On or around August 31, non-Mormon vigilantes in Daviess and Carroll Counties continued their campaign against Mormon settlers, with skirmishes escalating the conflict that led to the Mormon expulsion order later in 1838.
- 1861: During the Civil War, the aftermath of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek (August 10) was ongoing in Missouri. On August 31, Union forces were regrouping after their retreat from Springfield, while Confederate forces maintained control in southwest Missouri, underscoring Missouri’s critical role in the conflict.
- 1873: The Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railway (Katy Railroad) expanded its network through southwest Missouri around August 31, connecting Springfield to other regions and fostering economic growth in the state.
- 1904: The St. Louis World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was ongoing, with August 31 featuring international trade exhibits and cultural performances, reinforcing Missouri’s prominence as a global hub.
- 1967: The St. Louis Cardinals played a notable game against the New York Mets at Busch Stadium on August 31, with Bob Gibson pitching a shutout and Orlando Cepeda hitting a key home run, contributing to their World Series-winning season and reinforcing Missouri’s baseball legacy.