On December 28, 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 its journey along the Arkansas River, though no specific Missouri activity is recorded for this date, likely due to the post-Christmas period.
• 1856: During the “Bleeding Kansas” conflict, pro-slavery “Border Ruffians” from Missouri raided Kansas anti-slavery settlements, with ongoing tensions fueling violence over the territory’s slavery status, though activities may have been quieter after Christmas.
• 1861: In the Civil War, Union General Henry W. Halleck, based in St. Louis, reinforced federal defenses, while Confederate guerrilla raids in rural Missouri likely resumed post-Christmas, deepening the state’s internal divisions.
• 1864: Following Confederate General Sterling Price’s failed Missouri campaign, his forces, including Missouri units, were reorganizing in Arkansas after October defeats, with minimal logistical activity likely due to the holiday season.
• 1888: The Missouri Pacific Railroad extended its southeast Missouri network, connecting towns like Cape Girardeau to national markets, driving economic growth, though operations likely slowed during the holiday period.
• 1929: The Great Depression ravaged Missouri, with Kansas City and St. Louis facing mass unemployment and business closures, while post-Christmas community relief efforts sought to mitigate economic hardship.
• 1941: Missouri communities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, intensified World War II mobilization post-Pearl Harbor, with local factories resuming war production and recruitment efforts accelerating after the Christmas season.