October 5th This Day in Missouri

All day

On October 5, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

  • 1806: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, having returned to St. Louis in late September, was still celebrated on or around October 5, with ongoing festivities in St. Louis honoring their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, reinforcing Missouri’s role as a western hub.
  • 1857: During the prelude to the Civil War, tensions over slavery were high. On or around October 5, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri held meetings in Westport to support pro-slavery efforts in Kansas, escalating the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict.
  • 1861: During the Civil War, Missouri remained a battleground. On or around October 5, Union forces were reorganizing after the Confederate victory at Lexington, while Confederate forces under Sterling Price were consolidating their position in the state.
  • 1890: The Missouri Pacific Railroad expanded its network through southwest Missouri around October 5, connecting Springfield to other regions and boosting the state’s economic infrastructure.
  • 1933: The Great Depression impacted Missouri, and on or around October 5, New Deal-funded Works Progress Administration projects in St. Louis began constructing public infrastructure, providing jobs and economic relief.
  • 1967: The St. Louis Cardinals played a significant World Series game against the Boston Red Sox on October 5 at Fenway Park, with Lou Brock stealing two bases and contributing to a Cardinals victory, reinforcing Missouri’s baseball legacy.