April 3rd This Day in Missouri

On April 3, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

• 1806: St. Louis traders expanded spring fur trade expeditions, vital to Missouri’s early economy, though no specific event is recorded for this date.
• 1856: During “Bleeding Kansas,” Missouri’s pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” clashed with Kansas anti-slavery settlers, escalating violence as spring campaigns intensified.
• 1861: Union General Henry W. Halleck, stationed in St. Louis, maintained Missouri’s federal hold, while Confederate guerrillas in rural areas ramped up spring raids, fueling strife.
• 1864: In Arkansas, Confederate General Sterling Price’s Missouri units focused on spring logistics, with Missouri under Union control and minimal Confederate action.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad’s southeast Missouri lines, linking Cape Girardeau to markets, supported commerce, with early April freight traffic thriving.
• 1929: The Great Depression hit Missouri’s urban centers, Kansas City and St. Louis, hard, with spring relief efforts prioritizing food distribution and job aid.
• 1941: Post-Pearl Harbor, Missouri’s St. Louis and Kansas City increased World War II production, with early April enlistment drives targeting skilled labor for defense industries.