Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Missouri

1. State Motto: "Salus populi suprema lex esto" (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law).
2. State Bird: Eastern Bluebird.
3. State Flower: Hawthorn Blossom.
4. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. at 630 feet.
5. Mark Twain, one of America's greatest authors, was born in Florida, Missouri.
6. The Pony Express began in St. Joseph, Missouri, in 1860.
7. Missouri is nicknamed the "Show-Me State," reflecting its residents' practicality and skepticism.
8. Branson is known as the "Live Entertainment Capital of the World."
9. Missouri has more than 6,000 caves, earning it the nickname "The Cave State."
10. Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the U.S., was born in Lamar, Missouri.
11. The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, running over 2,300 miles.
12. Lake of the Ozarks has more shoreline than the state of California.
13. St. Louis was the first U.S. city to host the Olympics, in 1904.
14. Kansas City boasts more fountains than any city in the world, except Rome.
15. The St. Louis Zoo, located in Forest Park, is one of the top free zoos in the country.

Geography of Missouri

Missouri's landscape includes rivers, rolling hills, and the Ozark Mountains. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Taum Sauk Mountain (1,772 feet).
• Lowest Point: St. Francis River (230 feet above sea level).
• Major Rivers: Missouri River and Mississippi River.

A Brief History of Missouri

The land now known as Missouri was home to ancient civilizations for millennia, most notably the mound-building Mississippian culture. By the time of European contact, the region was inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Osage and the Missouria, from whom the state and its longest river derive their names. French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet were the first Europeans to map the area in 1673, and French fur traders soon followed, establishing some of the first European settlements like Ste. Genevieve and St. Louis.

After being transferred from France to Spain and back again, the region was sold to the United States as part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase. Missouri's location at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers quickly made it the nation's primary "Gateway to the West." Towns like St. Louis, Independence, and St. Joseph became bustling starting points for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails, and the Pony Express.

Missouri's petition for statehood sparked a national crisis over the expansion of slavery. It was ultimately admitted to the Union in 1821 as a slave state under the Missouri Compromise. As a border state during the Civil War, Missouri was deeply divided, suffering from brutal guerrilla warfare even while officially remaining in the Union. Following the war, the state grew as a center for transportation, agriculture, and industry, with St. Louis and Kansas City becoming major hubs for brewing and meatpacking. The 1904 St. Louis World's Fair showcased the state's national prominence. In the 20th century, Missouri produced its only U.S. President, Harry S. Truman, and evolved into a state with a diverse economy rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and technology, continuing its legacy as a vital American crossroads.

Top 10 Things to Do in Missouri

1. Visit the Gateway Arch in St. Louis and take a tram to the top.
2. Enjoy live shows and attractions in Branson.
3. Explore the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal.
4. Tour the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.
5. Relax at Lake of the Ozarks with boating, fishing, and hiking.
6. Walk through Forest Park, home to the St. Louis Zoo and the Missouri History Museum.
7. Visit Silver Dollar City, a theme park in Branson that celebrates Ozark culture.
8. Sample Kansas City barbecue, famous for its sweet and tangy flavors.
9. Hike and explore caves in the Ozarks.
10. Tour the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence.

Top 10 Destinations in Missouri

1. Gateway Arch National Park (St. Louis): An iconic symbol of American identity, the park features the 630-foot Gateway Arch. Visitors can ride a tram to the top for stunning views and explore the museum below, which details the story of westward expansion.

2. Branson's Entertainment District: Known as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson offers a dense concentration of theaters featuring a wide variety of country, rock, magic, and comedy shows. The 76 Country Boulevard strip is its vibrant heart.

3. Lake of the Ozarks: A massive man-made lake with more shoreline than the coast of California, this is Missouri's premier destination for boating, fishing, and water sports. The area is dotted with resorts, restaurants, and recreational opportunities.

4. Silver Dollar City (Branson): More than just an amusement park, Silver Dollar City combines thrilling roller coasters with an 1880s Ozark theme, featuring demonstrating craftsmen, live shows, and festivals all built around the entrance to Marvel Cave.

5. Forest Park (St. Louis): One of the nation's great urban parks, this 1,300-acre oasis is home to several world-class (and mostly free) institutions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center.

6. National WWI Museum and Memorial (Kansas City): America's official museum dedicated to the First World War. This stunning institution offers a comprehensive and moving look at the global conflict through immersive exhibits, and its Liberty Memorial Tower provides a panoramic view of the city.

7. Ozark National Scenic Riverways: The first national park area to protect a river system, this region preserves the crystal-clear, spring-fed Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. It is a world-class destination for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and exploring historic mills and caves.

8. Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium (Springfield): An incredibly immersive conservation-themed attraction connected to the flagship Bass Pro Shops store. It features a massive, state-of-the-art aquarium and remarkably detailed wildlife galleries.

9. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: A unique natural waterpark where the Black River cascades over and through ancient volcanic rock, creating a series of private pools, rapids, and chutes perfect for swimming and exploring on a summer day.

10. Country Club Plaza (Kansas City): America's first suburban shopping center designed for the automobile. The Plaza is renowned for its beautiful Spanish-inspired architecture, dozens of fountains, upscale shops, and fine dining, making it a premier destination for shopping and strolling.

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Missouri, visit the state's official tourism site: Visit Missouri