Missouri Pacific Railroad

November 12, 1852

The first railroad locomotive to operate west of the Mississippi (named the Pacific) made its very first run on this day. It went four miles west from St. Louis to the Manchester Road.

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.