Missouri, known as the “Show Me State,” has a rich history and many interesting characteristics. Here are some fun facts about Missouri:
- State nickname: Missouri is often called the “Show Me State,” a nickname that is said to have originated from a speech given by a Missouri Congressman who emphasized the practicality and skepticism of Missourians.
- Statehood: Missouri became the 24th state of the United States on August 10, 1821.
- State symbols: The state bird of Missouri is the Eastern Bluebird, the state flower is the White Hawthorn Blossom, and the state tree is the Flowering Dogwood.
- Gateway Arch: The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, is the tallest man-made monument in the United States, standing at 630 feet (192 meters) tall. It symbolizes the role of St. Louis as the “Gateway to the West” during the westward expansion of the United States.
- Pony Express: The Pony Express, a mail service that operated from 1860 to 1861, started in St. Joseph, Missouri, and ended in Sacramento, California.
- Missouri River: The Missouri River, the longest river in North America, runs through the state and has played a significant role in its history and development.
- Mark Twain: The famous author Mark Twain, best known for his novels “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” was born in Florida, Missouri, and grew up in the nearby town of Hannibal.
- Kansas City barbecue: Kansas City, Missouri, is famous for its barbecue, which is characterized by a wide variety of meats, a distinctive tomato-based sauce, and slow-smoking cooking techniques.
- The Ozarks: The Ozark Mountains, a heavily forested and scenic region in southern Missouri, are a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and water sports.
- Anheuser-Busch: The Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Missouri, is the largest beer-producing plant in the United States. The company is best known for its flagship beer, Budweiser.
- Lake of the Ozarks: The Lake of the Ozarks, created by the Bagnell Dam in 1931, is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States and a popular recreational destination.
- Harry S. Truman: Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was born in Lamar, Missouri, and spent much of his life in Independence, Missouri.
- Missouri Botanical Garden: The Missouri Botanical Garden, located in St. Louis, is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and is known for its beautiful gardens, research facilities, and educational programs.
- Jesse James: Infamous outlaw Jesse James was born in Kearney, Missouri, and the state was the site of many of his criminal exploits.
- Titanic Museum: The Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri, is one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to the history and artifacts of the RMS Titanic. The museum is housed in a building that is a half-scale replica of the ill-fated ship.