On February 17, 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 winter journey along the Arkansas River, though no specific Missouri event is recorded, likely due to minimal activity in the winter season.
- 1856: In the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri persisted in raiding Kansas anti-slavery settlements, seeking to sway the territory’s slavery status, with tensions fueling ongoing violence in mid-February.
- 1861: During the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, headquartered in St. Louis, focused on securing Missouri for the Union, while Confederate guerrilla groups in rural areas escalated winter operations, deepening state divisions.
- 1864: Following Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri units, were encamped in Arkansas, focusing on winter reorganization, with minimal activity in Missouri at this time.
- 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad’s expansion in southeast Missouri, linking towns like Cape Girardeau to national trade networks, bolstered local economies, with operations running steadily in mid-February.
- 1929: The Great Depression severely impacted Missouri, with Kansas City and St. Louis facing widespread layoffs and business failures, while local charities intensified relief efforts to support struggling communities in winter.
- 1941: Post-Pearl Harbor, Missouri cities like St. Louis and Kansas City ramped up World War II efforts, with factories shifting to wartime production and recruitment campaigns growing to meet military demands.