January 21st This Day in Missouri

On January 21, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

• 1806: Zebulon Pike’s expedition, which began in St. Louis to explore the southern Louisiana Purchase, was navigating the Arkansas River region, though no specific Missouri activity is noted, likely due to the winter season slowing local events.
• 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri continued cross-border raids into Kansas, targeting anti-slavery settlers to influence the territory’s slavery debate, with tensions remaining high after the holidays.
• 1861: In the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, headquartered in St. Louis, focused on securing Missouri for the Union, while Confederate sympathizers in rural areas planned guerrilla operations, reflecting the state’s ongoing divisions.
• 1864: Following Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri units, were encamped in Arkansas, likely focusing on winter reorganization after October losses, with minimal activity in Missouri.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad’s expansion in southeast Missouri, connecting towns like Cape Girardeau to national trade networks, continued to boost local economies, with regular operations resuming post-holidays.
• 1929: The Great Depression strained Missouri’s economy, with Kansas City and St. Louis facing widespread layoffs and business failures, while local relief organizations ramped up efforts to support struggling communities.
• 1941: Post-Pearl Harbor, Missouri’s major cities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, accelerated World War II efforts, with factories shifting to produce military goods and recruitment campaigns expanding to meet wartime demands.