Interesting facts about the state of Missouri

Here are a few interesting facts about the state of Missouri:

1. Missouri is known as the “Show-Me State.” The nickname is thought to have originated in 1899 when Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver stated, “I’m from Missouri, and you have got to show me” in response to a claim that was made at a political speech.
2. Missouri was the 24th state to join the United States, on August 10, 1821.
3. Missouri is home to the Gateway Arch, which is located in St. Louis and is the tallest monument in the United States. The arch is 630 feet tall and was built as a memorial to the westward expansion of the United States.
4. Missouri is home to a number of major companies, including Anheuser-Busch, the largest brewery in the United States, and Monsanto, a leading producer of genetically modified seeds and agricultural chemicals.
5. Missouri is home to Mark Twain, the famous American writer and humorist. Twain was born in Florida, Missouri, and spent much of his childhood in Hannibal, Missouri. Twain’s most famous works include “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
6. Missouri is home to the Lake of the Ozarks, which is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States. The lake has more than 1,100 miles of shoreline and is a popular destination for boating and fishing.
7. Missouri is home to several national parks, including the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which is the first national park in the United States to protect a river system. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, including bald eagles and the threatened grey bat.