On this day the railroad was welcomed into Springfield, Missouri. This effectively removed the Ozarks as a barrier to Springfield’s connection with the east. It also meant that cattle driven from the southwest could be driven to the railhead at Springfield instead of Sedalia. Trivia: Newspapers reported that “Almost everyone in the city and Greene County was there to see it.” It was common for entire counties to welcome the first trains to a place.

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.