October 26th This Day in Missouri

On October 26, 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 26, 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 26, crossing into Kansas to intimidate anti-slavery settlers, escalating violence and highlighting Missouri’s role in the slavery debate.
• 1864: During the Civil War, the aftermath of Price’s Raid continued in Missouri. On or around October 26, Confederate forces under General Sterling Price, retreating after defeats at Westport and Mine Creek, were pursued by Union forces through southern Missouri, marking the decline of their campaign.
• 1888: The St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch brewery expanded its refrigerated shipping operations around October 26, enabling broader distribution of Budweiser and reinforcing Missouri’s prominence in the brewing industry.
• 1933: The Great Depression impacted Missouri, and on or around October 26, 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 critical World Series game against the Boston Red Sox on October 26 at Busch Stadium, with Albert Pujols hitting a key home run, though the Cardinals lost, reinforcing Missouri’s baseball legacy.