(Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, November 1, 2019)
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — On Nov. 1, 1855, the Pacific Railroad’s first train to Jefferson City left downtown bearing 600 prominent citizens. The railroad was a powerful expression of the city’s aspirations. Led by U.S. Sen. Thomas Hart Benton of Missouri, St. Louis promoted itself vigorously as the starting point for a transcontinental railroad. Incorporators named the railroad for their ocean objective.
Full story: St. Louis Post-Dispatch