Cities In Missouri - Quick Facts, History & Geography
Missouri Quick Facts
Missouri's nickname is the "Show-Me State." The origin of this nickname is attributed to Congressman Willard Vandiver, who said in a speech, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. There are 933 cities in Missouri and 114 counties. You have got to show me." Missouri became the 24th state to join the United States on August 10, 1821. The capital city of Missouri is Jefferson City, located in the central part of the state. The largest city in Missouri is Kansas City, which lies on the state's western border and has a population of 491,158. One of the state's most iconic landmarks is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, standing at 630 feet tall and serving as a symbol of westward expansion in American history. Missouri is renowned for its barbecue culture, with Kansas City-style barbecue being a popular culinary attraction. Missouri is home to several prestigious universities, including the University of Missouri (Mizzou) and Washington University in St. Louis. Missouri is home to Anheuser-Busch, the largest beer producing plant in the world. Missouri is the 21st largest state by land area with 69,707 square miles and is 1.39% water. Missouri is the 18th largest state by population of over 6 million people. The Missouri river is the longest river in the United States. The Country Club Plaza was the first suburban shopping centers, it opened back in 1923 in Kansas City. The infamous outlaw Jesse James was born in Missouri and was a prominent figure during the late 1800s. Other famous people born in Missouri include Don Cheadle, Jon Hamm, Eminem, Sheryl Crow, James Gunn and Mark Twain.
Missouri's Storied History
Long before European exploration, the region that is now Missouri was home to various Native American tribes, including the Osage, Missouri and Illinois. In the 17th and 18th centuries, French and Spanish explorers, including Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet, traveled through the region in their quest to find a passage to the Pacific Ocean. In 1803, the United States acquired the vast territory known as the Louisiana Purchase from France, which included present-day Missouri. Missouri was admitted to the Union as the 24th state in 1821. Missouri played a crucial role in westward expansion, as it served as a launching point for pioneers heading west on the Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail and California Trail. During the mid-1800s, Missouri became a battleground for the conflict over slavery, as the state's sympathies were divided between the North and the South. The Battle of Wilson's Creek, fought near Springfield, Missouri, in August 1861, was one of the earliest major battles of the Civil War. It was a Confederate victory and solidified Missouri's role as a contested border state. After the Civil War, Missouri went through a period of reconstruction and continued to develop as a key agricultural and industrial center. In the 20th and 21st centuries, Missouri continued to evolve, embracing education, technology and cultural diversity.
The Beautiful Geography of Missouri
Missouri is bordered by Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska. The eastern border of Missouri is defined by the mighty Mississippi River, one of the most prominent and historically significant rivers in North America. The state's namesake river, the Missouri River, flows through the state from west to east, dividing it into northern and southern regions. The southern part of Missouri is part of the Ozark Plateau, a region known for its rugged, forested hills and beautiful landscapes. The northern and western parts of Missouri are characterized by vast rolling plains and prairies. In the southeastern corner of the state, near the convergence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, lies the Mississippi River Delta. Covering significant portions of southern Missouri, the Mark Twain National Forest is named after the famous American author Mark Twain. Missouri's geography includes several major cities, such as St. Louis, the state's largest city and a major economic and cultural hub, and Kansas City, known for its jazz heritage and barbecue culture. Other notable cities include Springfield, Columbia and Jefferson City.
Missouri Relocation Guide
Like most of the Midwestern states, Missouri is seen as a great place to raise a family. It is right in the center of the map and Missouri features a couple of big cities in St. Louis and Kansas City. Those are the spots that most people focus on when looking at the state, though it is worth mentioning that Springfield is also a great place to live. In general, the best hotels and most of the top attractions in the state are in St. Louis and Kansas City. From professional baseball, which is huge in Missouri, to a great selection of restaurants, most cities in Missouri will get it done from a cultural standpoint.
Missouri is one of the many states where you can really feel the force of four full seasons. You get some hot days during the summer that will make you long for the pool and you can experience a lot of snow during the winter. This is a draw for many people who are thinking of relocating to Missouri. As far as the local economy is concerned, the major centers in Missouri haven't slowed down too much. This makes it an attractive state when compared to others across the country.
Missouri is a state of opportunity and the big cities are exceedingly wealthy. The cost of living in Missouri, overall, is very affordable compared to the national average. Housing is one component that is extremely affordable compared to other states. Crime in Missouri cities is above average, but that could be due to larger cities like Kansas City and St. Louis driving up the averages.
