On January 4, 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 journey along the Arkansas River, though no specific Missouri activity is recorded for this date, likely due to post-New Year’s slowdowns.
• 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri intensified raids on Kansas anti-slavery settlements after New Year’s, escalating violent clashes over the territory’s slavery status.
• 1861: In the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, based in St. Louis, reinforced federal defenses, while Confederate guerrilla raids in rural Missouri resumed post-New Year’s, deepening the state’s internal divisions.
• 1864: Following Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri troops, were regrouping in Arkansas after October defeats, with logistical activities likely increasing after New Year’s.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad extended its southeast Missouri network, connecting towns like Cape Girardeau to national markets, fostering economic growth, with operations resuming after New Year’s.
• 1929: The Great Depression devastated Missouri, with Kansas City and St. Louis facing mass unemployment and business failures, while post-New Year’s relief efforts sought to address ongoing economic hardship.
• 1941: Missouri communities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, escalated World War II mobilization post-Pearl Harbor, with local industries accelerating war production and recruitment drives intensifying after New Year’s.