On January 14, 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 mapping the Arkansas River region, though no specific Missouri event is documented for this date, likely due to post-New Year’s slowdowns.
- 1856: In the “Bleeding Kansas” crisis, 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: During the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, commanding from St. Louis, reinforced federal control, while Confederate guerrilla raids in rural Missouri resumed post-New Year’s, deepening state divisions.
- 1864: After Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri units, were reorganizing in Arkansas following October defeats, with logistical efforts likely increasing after New Year’s.
- 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad advanced its southeast Missouri network, connecting towns like Cape Girardeau to national markets, driving 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 closures, 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.