January 1st This Day in Missouri

On January 1, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

• 1806: Zebulon Pike’s expedition, launched from St. Louis to explore the southern Louisiana Purchase, was ongoing in the Arkansas River region, though no specific Missouri activity is recorded for New Year’s Day, likely due to holiday observances.
• 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri continued tensions with Kansas anti-slavery settlers, though raids likely paused on New Year’s Day, with the territory’s slavery status fueling ongoing violence.
• 1861: In the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, based in St. Louis, maintained federal control, while Confederate guerrilla activity in rural Missouri was likely minimal on New Year’s Day, though the state’s divisions persisted.
• 1864: After Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri units, were regrouping in Arkansas, with little activity expected on New Year’s Day due to the holiday.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad’s southeast Missouri network, connecting towns like Cape Girardeau to national markets, supported economic growth, though operations were likely paused for New Year’s Day celebrations.
• 1929: The Great Depression gripped Missouri, with Kansas City and St. Louis facing unemployment and business closures, while New Year’s Day likely saw community efforts to provide relief amid economic hardship.
• 1941: Missouri communities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, began 1942 with intensified World War II mobilization post-Pearl Harbor, though New Year’s Day likely included somber celebrations alongside ongoing war production and recruitment.