February 18th This Day in Missouri

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

• 1806: Zebulon Pike’s expedition, launched from St. Louis to map the southern Louisiana Purchase, progressed through the Arkansas River region, with no specific Missouri event noted, likely due to winter’s quiet pace.
• 1856: Pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri continued cross-border raids into Kansas during the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, clashing with anti-slavery settlers to control the territory’s slavery outcome.
• 1861: Union General Henry W. Halleck, stationed in St. Louis, tightened Missouri’s federal grip, while Confederate guerrillas in rural areas ramped up winter raids, fueling the state’s bitter divisions.
• 1864: Confederate General Sterling Price’s forces, including Missouri units, regrouped in Arkansas after their failed Missouri campaign, focusing on winter logistics with minimal Missouri activity.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad expanded southeast Missouri’s rail network, tying Cape Girardeau to national markets, boosting local trade as operations hummed along in mid-February.
• 1929: Missouri’s cities, Kansas City and St. Louis, reeled from the Great Depression’s toll—job losses and business failures—while local aid groups pushed to ease winter hardships.
• 1941: Missouri’s St. Louis and Kansas City surged in World War II efforts post-Pearl Harbor, with factories churning out military supplies and enlistment campaigns gaining momentum.