December 18th This Day in Missouri

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

• 1806: Zebulon Pike’s expedition, launched from St. Louis to explore the southern Louisiana Purchase, continued its journey along the Arkansas River, though no specific Missouri activity is recorded for this date.
• 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri raided Kansas anti-slavery settlements, escalating violent disputes over the territory’s slavery status.
• 1861: In the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, based in St. Louis, strengthened federal defenses, while Confederate guerrillas conducted raids in rural Missouri, deepening the state’s internal conflict.
• 1864: Following Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri troops, were regrouping in Arkansas after October defeats, with logistical efforts likely around this date.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad extended its southeast Missouri lines, connecting towns like Cape Girardeau to national markets, fostering economic and agricultural growth.
• 1929: The Great Depression ravaged Missouri, with Kansas City and St. Louis facing mass unemployment, widespread business closures, and bank failures, crippling the state’s economy.
• 1941: Missouri communities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, intensified World War II efforts post-Pearl Harbor, with local factories accelerating war production and recruitment drives expanding swiftly.