June 13th This Day in Missouri

All day

On June 13, the following notable historical events related to Missouri have been recorded:

  • 1804: The Lewis and Clark Expedition was in the St. Louis area on or around June 13, completing final preparations for their journey up the Missouri River to explore the Louisiana Purchase. They were finalizing crew and equipment arrangements, reinforcing Missouri’s role as the gateway for western exploration.
  • 1820: Missouri’s constitutional convention, convened in St. Louis, was actively drafting the state’s first constitution around June 13. This was a crucial step toward Missouri’s admission as a state in 1821, amidst national debates over slavery tied to the Missouri Compromise.
  • 1861: During the Civil War, Missouri was a hotbed of conflict. On June 13, Union General Nathaniel Lyon was preparing to move on Jefferson City after the failed St. Louis Conference, with Union forces mobilizing to secure the state capital and counter Confederate sympathizers.
  • 1870: The Kansas City Stockyards began significant expansions around June 13, solidifying Kansas City’s role 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 13 featuring early international cultural exhibits and technological displays, highlighting Missouri’s prominence as a global hub.
  • 1964: The St. Louis Cardinals played a notable game against the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium on June 13, with Lou Brock, recently traded to the team, making his debut and stealing a base, marking the start of his legendary career with the Cardinals and reinforcing Missouri’s baseball legacy.