October 18th This Day in Missouri

On October 18, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

• 1806: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, having returned to St. Louis in late September, continued to be celebrated on or around October 18, with local festivities in St. Louis honoring their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, reinforcing Missouri’s role as a western hub.
• 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri were active on or around October 18, crossing into Kansas to intimidate anti-slavery settlers, escalating violence and highlighting Missouri’s role in the slavery debate.
• 1864: During the Civil War, Confederate forces under General Sterling Price were engaged in Price’s Raid in Missouri. On or around October 18, they clashed with Union forces in minor skirmishes near Lexington, continuing their campaign through the state.
• 1888: The St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch brewery expanded its refrigerated shipping operations around October 18, enabling broader distribution of Budweiser and reinforcing Missouri’s prominence in the brewing industry.
• 1933: The Great Depression affected Missouri, and on or around October 18, New Deal-funded Works Progress Administration projects in Kansas City began constructing public infrastructure, providing jobs and economic relief.
• 2004: The St. Louis Cardinals played a significant playoff game against the Houston Astros on October 18, with Albert Pujols hitting a crucial home run, advancing their postseason run and reinforcing Missouri’s baseball legacy.