September 22nd This Day in Missouri

On September 22, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

• 1806: The Lewis and Clark Expedition was in the St. Louis area on or around September 22, nearing the end of their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. They were preparing to officially return to St. Louis, their final destination, cementing Missouri’s role as a key hub.
• 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri were active on or around September 22, crossing into Kansas to intimidate anti-slavery settlers, escalating regional violence and highlighting Missouri’s role in the slavery debate.
• 1861: During the Civil War, the aftermath of the First Battle of Lexington (September 20) continued in Missouri. On September 22, Confederate forces under Sterling Price were organizing their control over Lexington, reinforcing their strategic position in the state.
• 1895: The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis hosted a significant public exhibition around September 22, showcasing rare plant species and solidifying its reputation as a leading botanical research center.
• 1927: The Missouri State Fair in Sedalia was ongoing around September 22, featuring agricultural innovations and attracting large crowds, reinforcing Missouri’s rural heritage.
• 1998: The St. Louis Cardinals played a notable game against the Houston Astros at Busch Stadium on September 22, with Mark McGwire hitting his 70th home run of the season, breaking the single-season record and cementing Missouri’s baseball legacy.