September 15th This Day in Missouri

All day

On September 15, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

  • 1806: The Lewis and Clark Expedition was in the St. Louis area on or around September 15, nearing the completion of their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, with St. Louis as their final destination, reinforcing Missouri’s role as a key hub.
  • 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri were active on or around September 15, crossing into Kansas to disrupt anti-slavery efforts, escalating violence and highlighting Missouri’s role in the slavery debate.
  • 1861: During the Civil War, the First Battle of Lexington was ongoing in Missouri. On or around September 15, Confederate forces under Sterling Price intensified their siege of Union troops in Lexington, a critical early conflict in the state.
  • 1880: The St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch brewery began experimenting with refrigerated shipping techniques around September 15, enabling national distribution of Budweiser and solidifying Missouri’s prominence in the brewing industry.
  • 1935: The Great Depression impacted Missouri, and on or around September 15, New Deal-funded Works Progress Administration projects in Kansas City began constructing public buildings, providing jobs and boosting the local economy.
  • 2004: The St. Louis Cardinals played a significant game against the Houston Astros at Busch Stadium on September 15, with Albert Pujols hitting a game-winning home run, contributing to their strong season and Missouri’s baseball legacy.