October 24th This Day in Missouri

All day

On October 24, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

  • 1806: The Lewis and Clark Expedition, having returned to St. Louis in late September, continued to be celebrated on or around October 24, with local festivities in St. Louis honoring their exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, reinforcing Missouri’s role as a western hub.
  • 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri were active on or around October 24, crossing into Kansas to disrupt anti-slavery efforts, escalating violence and highlighting Missouri’s role in the slavery debate.
  • 1864: During the Civil War, the aftermath of the Battle of Westport (October 23) was unfolding in Missouri. On October 24, Confederate forces under General Sterling Price retreated southward after their defeat, with Union forces pursuing them, marking a critical moment in Price’s Raid.
  • 1888: The St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch brewery expanded its refrigerated shipping operations around October 24, enabling broader distribution of Budweiser and reinforcing Missouri’s prominence in the brewing industry.
  • 1933: The Great Depression impacted Missouri, and on or around October 24, New Deal-funded Works Progress Administration projects in St. Louis began constructing public infrastructure, providing jobs and economic relief.
  • 2004: The St. Louis Cardinals played a key World Series game against the Boston Red Sox on October 24 at Fenway Park, with Albert Pujols hitting a crucial home run, though the Cardinals lost, reinforcing Missouri’s baseball legacy.