Missouri Facts
Missouri is a midwestern state covered with grassy plains, forests, and mountains.
It’s home to art museums, jazz clubs, and delicious barbecues.
Whether you’re interested in sports, history, food, or culture, Missouri has something for everyone.
Quick Facts
Capital: Jefferson City
Population: 6 million
Nickname: The Show-Me State
Key Cities: Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, Jefferson City, Joplin
Postal Abbreviation: MO
Major Industries: Transportation, beverages, defense and aerospace, food processing, mining
History
How did Missouri get its name: The name “Missouri” comes from Indian syllables meaning “town of the large canoes,” “wooden canoe people,” or “he of the big canoe.”
Date admitted to the Union: Friday, August 10, 1821
Geography
Size: 69,704 sq. miles
Lowest point: Saint Francis River at 230 feet
Highest point: Taum Sauk Mountain at 1,772 feet
Counties: 114
Famous locations: Gateway Arch, Branson Strip, Forest Park, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, National World War I Museum and Memorial
Famous Missourians
John Goodman- actor
Ginger Rogers- actress
Maya Angelou- poet/author
Don Cheadle- actor
Cedric the Entertainer- comedian
Akon- singer
Fun Facts
Missouri shares a border with eight different states: Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska.
It’s tied with Tennessee for the “friendliest” state in the nation.
Another nickname for Missouri is “The Cave State.” It’s home to more than 6,000 caves and the only cave restaurant in the United States (found in Richland, Missouri).
In 1904, the World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri introduced treats including cotton candy, iced tea, Dr. Pepper, and the waffle cone.
Four of the largest earthquakes in North American history occurred in New Madrid, Missouri between December 1811 and February 1812.
Missouri got its “Show-Me State” nickname in 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver said, “I’m from Missouri and you’ve got to show me!”
During Abraham Lincoln’s presidential campaign, Valentine Tapley from Pike County, Missouri swore he would never shave again if Lincoln were elected.
Tapley kept his promise and grew his beard to twelve feet and six inches before his death in 1910.
