71 Interesting Facts about Missouri, The Show Me State (2024)

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Dan September 26, 2023

Missouri, located in the heart of the United States, is a state brimming with historical, cultural, and natural significance. Known as the “Show-Me State,” its moniker reflects the skepticism and practicality of its residents. The state capital is Jefferson City, but the largest city is Kansas City, famed for its jazz heritage and barbecue cuisine. St. Louis, another major city, is renowned for the iconic Gateway Arch, symbolizing the nation’s westward expansion.

The Missouri River, one of the longest rivers in North America, significantly influenced the state’s development. It played a pivotal role during the westward expansion, acting as a vital trade and transportation route. Additionally, the state is home to the Ozark Mountains, offering scenic beauty, hiking trails, and recreational activities. Missouri’s diverse geography also encompasses forests, caves, and the vast Mark Twain National Forest.

Mark Twain, one of America’s greatest literary figures, spent his formative years in Missouri. His renowned works, including “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” were inspired by his experiences along the Mississippi River. Missouri’s literary contributions extend beyond Twain, as it has been home to writers like T.S. Eliot and Maya Angelou.

Missouri has a profound historical significance, particularly during the American Civil War. The state was a border state, torn between the North and the South. Battles like the Battle of Wilson’s Creek and the Battle of Pea Ridge were fought on its soil. The state also played a significant role in the westward expansion, with St. Louis being a crucial launching point for explorers like Lewis and Clark.

In the realm of education, Missouri has a diverse and esteemed educational system. The state is home to several well-regarded universities, including the University of Missouri, a prominent public research institution. Additionally, the state places emphasis on its K-12 education, striving to provide quality learning experiences for its youth.

To know more about Missouri, let’s take a look at these 71 interesting facts about Missouri.

1. Nickname: Missouri is often referred to as the “Show Me State.”
2. Statehood: Missouri became the 24th state of the United States on August 10, 1821.
3. Borders Eight States: Missouri shares borders with eight states, more than any other state in the U.S.
4. Gateway Arch in St. Louis: The iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the United States. It’s located in the Gateway Arch National Park.
5. Mark Twain: The famous author Mark Twain, best known for “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” grew up in Hannibal, Missouri.
6. Kansas City Royals: The Kansas City Royals were the first American League expansion team to win the World Series in 1985.
7. Famous Foods: Missouri is known for dishes like toasted ravioli, St. Louis-style barbecue, and gooey butter cake.
8. Harry S. Truman: Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was born in Lamar, Missouri.
9. Home of Budweiser: Anheuser-Busch, one of the largest breweries in the world, is headquartered in St. Louis.
10. Lake of the Ozarks: Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks has more shoreline than the entire state of California.
11. Missouri River: The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, flowing for over 2,341 miles.
12. Native American Heritage: Missouri is rich in Native American history, with many tribes having lived in the area, including the Osage, Sioux, and Missouri.
13. Educational Institutions: Missouri is home to several notable universities, including the University of Missouri, Washington University in St. Louis, and Missouri State University.
14. State Animal: The state animal of Missouri is the mule.
15. Cave State: Missouri is known as the “Cave State” due to its numerous caves, including the popular Meramec Caverns.
16. Branson: Branson is a popular tourist destination known for its live entertainment, theaters, and family-friendly attractions.
17. Trail of Tears: The infamous Trail of Tears, a forced relocation of Native Americans, passed through Missouri in the 1830s.
18. Gateway to the West: St. Louis earned the nickname “Gateway to the West” due to its historical significance as a starting point for westward expansion during the 19th century.
19. Jazz and Blues: Kansas City is known for its vibrant jazz and blues music scenes, producing legendary musicians like Charlie Parker and Count Basie.
20. First State Fair: The first state fair in the United States was held in Sedalia, Missouri, in 1901.
21. Hannibal: Hannibal, Missouri, is the hometown of Mark Twain and served as the inspiration for his literary works.
22. Pony Express: The Pony Express, a mail delivery service, began in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1860.
23. Walt Disney: Walt Disney, the co-founder of Disney, was born in Chicago, but spent a significant part of his childhood in Marceline, Missouri.
24. Biggest Amish Population: Missouri has the largest Amish population of any state west of the Mississippi River.
25. Sister State: Missouri has a sister state relationship with the Canadian province of Quebec.
26. Tornado Alley: Missouri is part of Tornado Alley, a region known for frequent tornadoes.
27. Gateway to the Ozarks: Springfield is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Ozarks.”
28. Wildlife: Missouri is home to diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and the elusive bobcat.
29. Wineries: Missouri has a rich wine-making tradition and is known for its wineries, particularly in the Missouri Rhineland and Ozarks wine regions.
30. Civil War Battle: The Battle of Wilson’s Creek, fought near Springfield, was one of the major battles in the early years of the American Civil War.
31. Missouri Bootheel: A unique geographical feature, the “Missouri Bootheel” is a small region in the southeastern part of the state that juts into Arkansas.
32. Mammoth Springs: Mammoth Springs in southern Missouri is one of the largest springs in the United States.
33. Missouri Botanical Garden: The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States.
34. John Pershing: General John J. Pershing, a World War I hero, was born in Laclede, Missouri.
35. Home of Ragtime Music: Sedalia is often considered the birthplace of ragtime music.
36. Lead Belt: Southeastern Missouri is known as the “Lead Belt” due to its historically significant lead mining industry.
37. Jamesport: Jamesport is the largest Amish settlement in Missouri.
38. Jefferson Landing State Historic Site: Located in Jefferson City, this site preserves several historic buildings from the early 19th century.
39. Meramec River: The Meramec River is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and other water activities.
40. World’s Largest Fork: Springfield is home to the world’s largest fork, standing at 35 feet tall.
41. St. Patrick’s Day Parade: St. Louis hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the United States.
42. Pere Marquette State Park: Part of the park lies in Missouri, offering beautiful views of the Mississippi River and scenic landscapes.
43. Famous Inventors: Missouri was the birthplace of several famous inventors, including George Washington Carver and Edwin Hubble.
44. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park: Known for its natural water slides, pools, and rock formations, this park is a popular tourist spot.
45. Confluence of Rivers: St. Louis is situated near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.
46. First Successful Heart Surgery: The first successful heart surgery was performed by Dr. Charles Hufnagel in St. Louis in 1952.
47. Pilot Grove: The first battle of the American Civil War west of the Mississippi River took place near Pilot Grove.
48. Missouri State Penitentiary: The Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City was once the largest prison in the United States.
49. Mormon History: Independence is an important location in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement.
50. Diverse Geography: Missouri’s geography ranges from the flatlands in the bootheel region to the rugged Ozark Mountains.
51. Big Oak Tree State Park: This park is home to one of the largest trees in the United States.
52. Dred Scott Case: The Dred Scott case, a landmark decision in the U.S. Supreme Court, originated in St. Louis.
53. State Insect: The honeybee is the official state insect of Missouri.
54. Kansas City Chiefs: The Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl IV in 1970, their first Super Bowl victory.
55. Black Walnuts: Missouri leads the nation in the production of black walnuts.
56. Battle of Lexington State Historic Site: The battle fought here during the Civil War was one of the most severe in the state.
57. Famous Murals: In Independence, there are numerous murals depicting the history of the region.
58. Missouri State Capitol: The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City is the state’s seat of government.
59. Notable Rivers: Apart from the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, the state has several other significant rivers, including the Osage and Current Rivers.
60. Maramec Spring Park: This park features beautiful spring-fed streams and is a popular spot for trout fishing.
61. Sports Heritage: Missouri has a rich sports heritage, being home to teams like the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) and the St. Louis Blues (NHL).
62. Tallest Man in Recorded History: Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in recorded history, was from Alton, Illinois, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis.
63. Trailheads for National Trails: Missouri is home to the trailheads for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Santa Fe National Historic Trail.
64. Missouri Rhineland: This region, located along the Missouri River, is known for its vineyards and wineries.
65. Pilot Knob: An important Civil War battlefield located in Iron County.
66. Famous Writers: Besides Mark Twain, T.S. Eliot and Tennessee Williams also had connections to Missouri.
67. State Parks: Missouri boasts numerous state parks, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
68. Laura Ingalls Wilder Home: The Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum is located in Mansfield, Missouri.
69. St. Charles: St. Charles is known for its historic Main Street, which preserves the look and feel of the 19th century.
70. Beer Brewing Heritage: St. Louis has a rich beer brewing heritage, being home to breweries like Anheuser-Busch and Schlafly.
71. Lewis and Clark Expedition: The Lewis and Clark Expedition set off from St. Charles, Missouri, in 1804, exploring the western portion of the United States.

Missouri, a state with a diverse and rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty, beckons visitors and residents alike to explore its many facets. From the iconic Gateway Arch of St. Louis symbolizing westward expansion to the serene landscapes of the Ozarks, Missouri offers an array of experiences. Its vibrant cities, including Kansas City and St. Louis, are hubs of culture, art, and culinary delights, while its rural areas display the state’s natural charm and agricultural prowess. Whether you’re immersing yourself in the melodies of jazz, traversing its scenic rivers, or delving into its historical significance, Missouri stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of America and the countless stories woven into its heartland.

In Missouri, the melding of the past and present creates a unique blend of traditions, innovations, and a warm sense of hospitality. The state’s residents, known for their friendly demeanor and sense of community, embody the very essence of the “Show Me State.” As you traverse its landscapes and engage with its people, you’ll discover a place where history lives on, where nature’s beauty captivates, and where the promise of adventure awaits at every turn. Missouri invites you to explore its wonders, to uncover its stories, and to be inspired by its enduring resilience and the limitless possibilities it holds for those willing to discover its treasures.