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Iron Riders: The Story of the 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps

February 13 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Free

In 1897, the all-Black 25th Infantry Regiment Bicycle Corps embarked on an epic ride of more than 1,900 miles from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri, as part of a U.S. Army experiment to determine the effectiveness of moving troops by bicycle. Dubbed “The Great Experiment” by national newspapers, the journey took 41 days to complete, following a route that closely mirrored the Northern Pacific and Burlington railroads through Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri. Nicknamed the “Iron Riders” due to the heavy one-speed bicycles they pedaled, the soldiers faced grueling conditions that would challenge even the most experienced cyclists today. Join us as Missouri State Parks historian Kevin Smith recounts these hardships and how the Iron Riders ultimately reached St. Louis.

Details

Date:
February 13
Time:
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Cost:
Free
Event Category:
Website:
https://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/about/calendar.asp

Organizer

Friends of the Missouri State Archives
Phone
573-751-3280
Email
archives@sos.mo.gov
View Organizer Website

Venue

Missouri State Archives
600 W. Main St.
Jefferson City, 65101
+ Google Map
Phone
573-751-3280
View Venue Website