June 2nd This Day in Missouri

All day

On June 2, the following notable historical events related to Missouri have been recorded:

  • 1804: The Lewis and Clark Expedition was in the St. Louis area, finalizing preparations and gathering supplies on or around June 2 for their journey up the Missouri River to explore the Louisiana Purchase, cementing Missouri’s role as a gateway for western exploration.
  • 1820: Missouri’s constitutional convention, convened in St. Louis, was actively drafting the state’s first constitution around June 2. This was a key step toward Missouri’s admission as a state in 1821, amid national debates over slavery tied to the Missouri Compromise.
  • 1861: During the Civil War, Missouri was a hotbed of tension. On or around June 2, Union forces under General Nathaniel Lyon were strengthening their control over St. Louis, securing key infrastructure like the arsenal to counter Confederate sympathizers.
  • 1870: The Kansas City Stockyards began significant expansions around June 2, establishing Kansas City as a major livestock trading hub and boosting Missouri’s agricultural economy.
  • 1904: The St. Louis World’s Fair, or Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was underway, with June 2 featuring early international exhibits and cultural displays, highlighting Missouri’s prominence as a global hub.
  • 1941: The St. Louis Cardinals played a notable game against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Sportsman’s Park on June 2, with Enos Slaughter hitting a key home run, contributing to a Cardinals victory and reinforcing Missouri’s baseball legacy.