50 Facts About Missouri

Missouri: The Show-Me State

Missouri, often called the "Show-Me State," is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. From its bustling cities to its serene countryside, Missouri offers a unique blend of attractions and experiences. Here are some fascinating facts about this diverse state.

1. Missouri became the 24th state in the United States on August 10, 1821.
2. The state capital is Jefferson City, named after Thomas Jefferson.
3. Missouri is bordered by eight states: Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Illinois.
4. The Missouri River, the longest river in North America, flows through the state.
5. St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the U.S.

Historical Significance

Missouri's history is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of the United States. From its role in westward expansion to its Civil War battles, Missouri has played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.

6. The Pony Express, which provided fast mail service across the U.S., began in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1860.
7. Missouri was a border state during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate governments.
8. The Missouri Compromise of 1820 was a significant event in the lead-up to the Civil War, balancing the number of free and slave states.
9. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was born in Lamar, Missouri.
10. The first successful parachute jump from an airplane was made by Captain Albert Berry in St. Louis in 1912.

Natural Wonders

Missouri's landscape is diverse, featuring rolling hills, vast plains, and stunning waterways. The state's natural beauty attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over.

11. The Ozark Mountains stretch across southern Missouri, offering hiking, fishing, and camping opportunities.
12. Missouri is home to over 6,000 caves, earning it the nickname "The Cave State."
13. The Lake of the Ozarks has more shoreline than the coast of California.
14. The state has 92 state parks and historic sites, covering nearly 150,000 acres.
15. The Katy Trail, a 240-mile-long trail, is the longest developed rail-trail in the country.

Cultural Contributions

Missouri has a rich cultural heritage, contributing significantly to music, literature, and the arts. Its cities are vibrant hubs of creativity and innovation.

16. St. Louis is known as the "Gateway to the West" due to its historical role in westward expansion.
17. Kansas City is famous for its jazz music and barbecue.
18. Mark Twain, one of America's greatest authors, was born in Florida, Missouri.
19. The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the U.S.
20. The state hosts the annual Missouri State Fair, celebrating agriculture, music, and culture.

Unique Attractions

Missouri boasts a variety of unique attractions that draw visitors from near and far. From quirky roadside stops to world-class museums, there's something for everyone.

21. The City Museum in St. Louis is a massive playground made from repurposed architectural and industrial objects.
22. Branson, Missouri, is known for its live music shows and entertainment venues.
23. The Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis offers tours and tastings of its famous beers.
24. The Jesse James Home Museum in St. Joseph preserves the house where the infamous outlaw was killed.
25. The World's Largest Fork, standing at 35 feet tall, is located in Springfield, Missouri.

Sports and Recreation

Missouri residents are passionate about their sports, and the state offers numerous recreational activities for all ages.

26. The Kansas City Chiefs, an NFL team, won the Super Bowl in 1970 and 2020.
27. The St. Louis Cardinals have won 11 World Series titles, the second-most in MLB history.
28. Missouri has hosted the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four multiple times.
29. The state has over 1,000 miles of navigable rivers and streams for boating and fishing.
30. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield honors the state's athletic legends.

Educational Institutions

Missouri is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, contributing to its reputation as a center for learning and innovation.

31. The University of Missouri, founded in 1839, is the oldest public university west of the Mississippi River.
32. Washington University in St. Louis is consistently ranked among the top universities in the U.S.
33. Missouri State University in Springfield is the second-largest university in the state.
34. St. Louis University, founded in 1818, is the oldest university west of the Mississippi River.
35. The Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla is renowned for its engineering programs.

Famous Missourians

Many notable individuals hail from Missouri, leaving their mark on various fields such as politics, entertainment, and science.

36. Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse and Disneyland, spent part of his childhood in Marceline, Missouri.
37. Maya Angelou, the acclaimed poet and author, was born in St. Louis.
38. Brad Pitt, the famous actor, grew up in Springfield, Missouri.
39. T.S. Eliot, the Nobel Prize-winning poet, was born in St. Louis.
40. Chuck Berry, a pioneer of rock and roll music, was born in St. Louis.

Fun and Quirky Facts

Missouri has its share of fun and quirky facts that add to its charm. These tidbits highlight the state's unique character and sense of humor.

41. The ice cream cone was popularized at the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.
42. Missouri is the only state with an official state grape, the Norton/Cynthiana grape.
43. The state animal is the Missouri mule, known for its strength and endurance.
44. The first successful parachute jump from a moving airplane was made in St. Louis in 1912.
45. Missouri has more than 1,300 miles of scenic byways, perfect for road trips.

Economic Contributions

Missouri's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The state's strategic location and resources make it a vital economic hub.

46. Missouri is a leading producer of soybeans, corn, and cattle.
47. The state is home to major corporations like Anheuser-Busch, Monsanto, and Express Scripts.
48. Missouri's wine industry is one of the oldest in the U.S., with over 130 wineries.
49. The state has a strong aerospace industry, with Boeing being a major employer in St. Louis.
50. Missouri's central location makes it a key transportation and logistics hub, with extensive rail, road, and river networks.

Missouri's Unique Charm

Missouri's got a lot to offer. From the Gateway Arch to the Ozark Mountains, there's something for everyone. Did you know St. Louis is home to the oldest university west of the Mississippi? Or that Kansas City has more fountains than any city except Rome? Missouri's rich history includes the Pony Express and Jesse James. Plus, it's the birthplace of Mark Twain and Walt Disney. Whether you're into jazz, barbecue, or outdoor adventures, Missouri's got you covered. The Show-Me State truly lives up to its name, offering a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. So next time you're planning a trip, consider Missouri. You might just find a new favorite spot.