Missouri

Guide Note

Missouri is the 21st largest state in the United States. It shares a border with Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Kansas, and Nebraska. Missouri is the 18th highest populated state. It has 114 counties and one independent city.

Fast Facts

1. Capital: Jefferson City
2. Governor: Matt Blunt
3. Population: 5,842,713 (2006)
4. Founded: August 10, 1821
5. Time zones: CST
6. Major cities: Kansas City, St. Louis Springfield, Independence, Columbia, Lee's Summit and Saint Joseph
7. Motto: Salus populi suprema lex esto (United We Stand, Divided We Fall)
8. Nickname: Show Me State

Missouri was part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, sold to the United States from France for $15 million dollars. In 1821 Missouri developed its first Constitution, and was admitted as a slave state under the Missouri Compromise.

Famed explorers Lewis and Clark began their historical journey from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean.

The major industries of Missouri are aerospace, chemicals, printing/publishing, electrical equipment, transportation equipment, food processing, light manufacturing, limestone, and beer.

Missouri is ranked sixth in the nation for its production of hogs, and seventh for cattle. Other agricultural mainstays are soybeans, dairy products, hay, corn, chicken, sorghum, and eggs. Missouri boasts more farms than any other state with the exception of Texas.

The Mississippi River defines the eastern border of the state. The Missouri River runs West to East, almost connecting the two largest cities of Kansas City and St. Louis. Both are used for transportation, as St. Louis is a hub for barge traffic.

Missouri has over 6000 recorded caves, second only to Kentucky.