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CAPITAL CITY: Jefferson City

BACKGROUND

Its name is an Algonquin Indian term meaning "river of the big canoes." Missouri was organized as a territory in 1812 and was admitted to the Union as the 24th state in 1821. Missouri is called the "Show-Me State," because its people have a reputation for believing only what they see. Its location and its two great rivers have made the state a transportation hub. The mighty Mississippi River forms Missouri's eastern border. The wide Missouri River winds across the state from west to east. A wealth of food, manufactured products and raw materials is shipped on these waterways, the nation's two longest rivers.

Missouri has abundant wildlife, rugged hills, rushing streams and peaceful woodlands to delight hunters, hikers and photographers. The writer Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, was a son of Missouri; museums in Hannibal, his home town, celebrate his works.

QUICK FACTS

Nickname: Show Me State

Motto: Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto (The Welfare of the People Shall Be the Supreme Law)

Statehood: August 10, 1821 (24th)

Origin of State's Name: Named after Algonquin Indian term meaning "river of the big canoes."

Largest Cities: Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, Independence, Columbia

Border States: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee

Land Area: 68,898 sq. mi., 18th largest

State Bird: Bluebird

State Flower: Hawthorn (crataegus)

State Tree: American Dogwood (cornus florida)

State Song: Missouri Waltz

USEFUL LINKS

Miscellaneous

Travel and tourism site for Missouri - This state travel and territorial tourism site provides ideas for your vacations, meetings, and more.