November 27th This Day in Missouri

On November 27, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

• 1806: Zebulon Pike’s expedition, sent from St. Louis to chart the Arkansas River and southern Louisiana Purchase, was exploring the frontier, though no specific Missouri incident is documented for this date.
• 1856: In the “Bleeding Kansas” crisis, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri raided Kansas towns, intimidating anti-slavery settlers to sway the territory’s slavery vote, fueling violent clashes.
• 1861: During the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, based in St. Louis, reinforced federal control, while Confederate guerrilla bands disrupted rural Missouri with raids and ambushes.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad expanded its tracks through southeast Missouri, connecting Cape Girardeau to larger markets and spurring economic growth in the region.
• 1929: As the Great Depression intensified, Missouri’s cities like Kansas City and St. Louis saw widespread business failures, bank closures, and growing unemployment, devastating local economies.
• 1963: Following President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Missouri communities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, held somber memorial services and vigils, reflecting national mourning.