Missouri - The Show-me State

St. Louis

Missouri

Known as the "Show-Me State," Missouri sits at the crossroads of the Midwest and the South, both geographically and culturally. Bordered by eight states and split by the mighty Missouri River, it’s a place where prairies meet forests, and small towns thrive alongside major cities like St. Louis and Kansas City. Missouri has played a pivotal role in American history—from the starting point of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to its significance in westward expansion and the Civil War. The state’s rich cultural heritage includes blues and jazz music, barbecue traditions, and landmarks like the Gateway Arch, symbolizing the westward movement. Missouri’s economy blends agriculture, manufacturing, and services, while its universities, such as the University of Missouri, add to its reputation for education and research. Natural beauty is abundant too, with the Ozark Mountains, rivers, and caves drawing outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Missouri embodies a unique blend of frontier spirit, Southern charm, and Midwestern resilience. Whether you're exploring its vibrant cities, hiking scenic trails, or diving into its complex history, Missouri offers a dynamic experience that reflects the diversity and evolution of the American story.

Missouri Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Capital Jefferson City
  • Missouri is known as the "Show-Me State," a nickname reflecting the residents' reputed skepticism and no-nonsense attitude.
  • St. Louis is home to the Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the U.S. at 630 feet.
  • Missouri was a border state during the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate governments claiming it.
  • The Missouri River, the longest river in North America, flows through the state.
  • Mark Twain, author of *The Adventures of Tom Sawyer* and *Huckleberry Finn*, was born in Florida, Missouri.
  • Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, was from Independence, Missouri.
  • Branson, Missouri, is a popular entertainment and country music destination, often compared to a mini-Nashville.
  • Missouri has more than 6,000 known caves, earning it the nickname “The Cave State.”
  • St. Louis hosted the 1904 Summer Olympics—the first held in the United States.
  • Missouri borders eight states, tying Tennessee for the most state borders in the U.S.
Largest City Kansas City
Statehood August 10, 1821 (24th state)
Abbreviation MO
Area 69,707 sq mi (180,540 km²)
Population Approximately 6.1 million (2024 est.)
Region Midwest
Geography Plains, Ozark Mountains, Mississippi and Missouri Rivers
Bordering States Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois
Major Industries Agriculture, aerospace, transportation equipment, beer, biosciences
Agricultural Products Soybeans, corn, cattle, hogs, poultry
Nickname The Show-Me State
State Bird Eastern Bluebird

Our Content
Missouri Interactive Map

Interactive and Printable Missouri Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Missouri maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Missouri map.

Oklahoma History

History of Missouri

Missouri became the 24th state in 1821 as part of the Missouri Compromise, which aimed to balance the number of free and slave states in the Union. Its strategic location along the Mississippi River made it a key battleground during the Civil War, with divided loyalties among its residents.
Mark Twain

Famous People from Missouri

Missouri was the birthplace of Mark Twain, the famous author known for The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, who grew up in the river town of Hannibal. It was also home to Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States, who was born in Lamar and raised in Independence.
Comprehension

Missouri Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Nebraska Symbols

Fun Missouri Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Missouri-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Missouri' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Missouri and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Missouri or Not Missouri, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.