Wikipedia Commons

December 19, 1864

The Pacific Railroad reached Kansas City from St. Louis on this date. Even before this date Kansas City was already a thriving railroad terminus. The first engines had been brought to K.C. by riverboat and they pulled trains into Kansas and westward. Passengers also would ride steamboats to K.C. and then board trains for the rest of their journey. With the Civil War closing, the rest of the track could be laid across Missouri and the East-West connection became complete.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.