November 30th This Day in Missouri

All day

On November 30, the following notable historical events related to Missouri occurred:

  • 1806: Zebulon Pike’s expedition, launched from St. Louis to explore the southern Louisiana Purchase, continued mapping the Arkansas River region, though no specific Missouri activity is recorded for this date.
  • 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri raided Kansas anti-slavery settlements, escalating violence over the territory’s slavery status.
  • 1861: In the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck fortified St. Louis as a federal stronghold, while Confederate guerrillas conducted raids in rural Missouri, intensifying state divisions.
  • 1864: After Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri troops, were regrouping in Arkansas following October defeats, with activities possibly occurring around this date.
  • 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad expanded its southeast Missouri lines, connecting towns like Cape Girardeau to national markets, boosting economic and agricultural growth.
  • 1929: The Great Depression devastated Missouri, with Kansas City and St. Louis facing mass unemployment, widespread business failures, and bank closures, severely impacting the state’s economy.
  • 1963: Missouri communities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, continued memorial services for President John F. Kennedy, assassinated eight days prior, reflecting the nation’s ongoing grief.