Bushwhackers from northwestern Missouri undermine the structure of a bridge on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad. The train derails and falls into the Platte River east of St. Joseph, Missouri, killing as many as 20 passengers, including civilians, and results in the loss of Union-controlled freight and mail. The event temporarily shuts down the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, which is the only east-west rail connection in the state.