On February 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 its winter exploration along the Arkansas River, though no specific Missouri event is recorded, likely due to reduced activity in the winter season and Valentine’s Day observances.
• 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri sustained raids on Kansas anti-slavery settlers, aiming to influence the territory’s slavery debate, with violence continuing despite potential Valentine’s Day pauses.
• 1861: In the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, based in St. Louis, worked to maintain federal control, while Confederate guerrilla groups in rural Missouri intensified winter raids, exacerbating the state’s internal divisions, though activity may have been lighter on Valentine’s Day.
• 1864: After Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri units, remained in Arkansas, focusing on winter recovery, with little direct activity in Missouri, especially on Valentine’s Day.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad’s southeast Missouri expansion, connecting towns like Cape Girardeau to national markets, supported regional economic growth, with operations likely steady but possibly quieter due to Valentine’s Day.
• 1929: The Great Depression strained Missouri’s economy, with Kansas City and St. Louis facing severe unemployment and business closures, while local relief efforts continued, potentially with Valentine’s Day community events to boost morale.
• 1941: Following Pearl Harbor, Missouri cities like St. Louis and Kansas City accelerated World War II mobilization, with factories increasing military production and recruitment drives expanding, though Valentine’s Day may have seen community-focused wartime bond or support events.