Missouri ( The Show-Me State ) 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. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in Missouri include: Sheryl Crow, Josephine Baker, Ginger Rogers, Don Johnson, The Flag of Missouri Entered the Union in 1821 as the 24th State; flag adopted in 1913. On a background of the national colors appear the Missouri arms framed by stars indicating its order of Statehood.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Kansas City, 441,545; St. Louis, 348,189; Springfield, 151,580; Independence, 113,288; Columbia, 84,531; St. Joseph, 73,990; Lee's Summit, 70,700; St. Charles, 60,321; St. Peter's, 51,381; Florissant, 50,497   Business and Trade in Missouri Agriculture: Cattle, soybeans, hogs, dairy products, corn, poultry and eggs. Industries: Transportation equipment, food processing, chemical products, electric equipment, fabricated metal products. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Bluebird Flower: Hawthorn (crataegus) Tree: American Dogwood (cornus florida) Song(s): Missouri Waltz Motto: Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto (The Welfare of the People Shall Be the Supreme Law) Missouri Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Stockton Lake - Stockton • Rivers Project (Riverlands) - Lower Illinois River - West Alton • Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge - Iron County • Big Muddy National Fish & Wildlife Refuge - Columbia • Clarence Cannon Dam And Mark Twain Lake - Monroe City

Capital: Jefferson City     Local Weather  Statehood: 1821-08-10  Population: 5,595,211 (81.2 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 69,704.31     Water 818.39     Land 68,885.93     Rank 18th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use     Youth Risk Survey   Housing: In Missouri, there are 2,442,017 housing units, averaging to 35.5 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     St. Louis Magazine     MissouriLife     St. Louis Homes & Lifestyles     St. Louis Business Journal   Posters and Artwork Sportsman's Park, St. Louis, Missouri Art Print 17" x 11" • Gateway Arch, St. Louis, Missouri, USA Photographic Print 12" x 16" • Sunset over Table Rock Lake near Kimberling City, Missouri, USA Photographic Print 16" x 12" • Swope Park, Kansas City, Missouri Art Print 17" x 11" • Country Club Plaza Shopping Area Building Detail, Kansas City, Missouri, USA Photographic Print 12" x 16" • Downtown, St. Louis, Missouri Art Print 17" x 11"