Ridgeway, Missouri, is a small town with a rich history. Situated in northern Missouri, Ridgeway has been home to many historic events that have shaped the area's development. Here are seven of the most significant:
1. Battle of Athens - The Battle of Athens took place on August 5, 1861, during the American Civil War. Confederate forces attacked Union troops at Athens, Missouri, which is located only three miles east of Ridgeway. The Union soldiers, known as the Missouri Home Guard, managed to hold off the Confederate attack, but not without suffering significant casualties.
2. The Great Blizzard of 1881 - In January of 1881, a massive blizzard swept across the Great Plains, including northern Missouri. Ridgeway was among the many towns affected by the storm, which caused widespread damage and claimed numerous lives.
3. Jesse James robbery - On January 31, 1874, the notorious outlaw Jesse James and his gang robbed the Daviess County Savings Association in Gallatin, Missouri, just a few miles south of Ridgeway. The robbery was one of several committed by the James gang in Missouri and other states.
4. Ridgeway Bank robbery - On October 27, 1881, six robbers entered the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Ridgeway and took over $22,000 in cash and bonds. The crime was a major event for the town and was widely covered in newspapers throughout the region.
5. Tornado of 1917 - On June 2, 1917, a powerful tornado struck the town of Ridgeway, causing widespread damage and killing several people. The tornado was part of a larger outbreak that swept across the Great Plains, causing destruction in several states.
6. The Flood of 1993 - In the summer of 1993, the Mississippi River flooded its banks, causing widespread damage and displacing thousands of people. While Ridgeway was not directly affected by the flood, many nearby communities were severely impacted.
7. Opening of the Rock Island Railroad - In 1871, the Rock Island Railroad opened a line through northern Missouri, including a stop in Ridgeway. The arrival of the railroad had a significant impact on the area's development, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.
These seven events are just a small sample of the many historic moments that have taken place near Ridgeway, Missouri. While the town may be small, its history is rich and varied, providing a window into the past of this region of the United States.
7 Pieces Of History Near Ridgeway, MO
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