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🇺🇸 MISSOURI Day ORIGIN & HISTORY
MISSOURI Day is celebrated on the 3rd Wednesday in October. A time when the fall foliage is at its peak in the Show-Me State. Missourians and visitors alike enjoy festivities like parades, live music, local food, and may even get in a few canoe races on one of the state’s picturesque rivers. It’s a day to honor the history, nature, and unique character of Missouri.
The 48th State Assembly, at the behest of native Missourian Anna Brosius Korn, established “Missouri Day” as an annual observance on the first Monday of October starting in 1915. In 1969, the 75th General Assembly moved the date to the third Wednesday in October, designating MISSOURI Day as a time for schools to pay tribute to the state (with emphasis on Missouri Indian tribes) and for Missourians to celebrate the accomplishments of their fellow residents.
The “Canyon State” has a rich history. It was admitted to the Union as the 24th state in 1821. Prior to that, it was part of the Missouri Territory. The state’s name is derived from the Missouri River, which, in turn, got its name from the indigenous Missouri Indians.
Missouri’s nickname, the “Show-Me State”, is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. It’s often associated with a characteristic skepticism or a desire for evidence. There are various stories about how this nickname came into being, but it reflects the practical and down-to-earth nature of Missourians.
Territorial Beginnings
Missouri’s path to statehood began when the region was part of the vast Louisiana Territory, which the United States acquired from France in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. At this time, the area that would become Missouri was sparsely settled and inhabited by various Native American tribes.
In 1812, the U.S. Congress established the Missouri Territory. This marked a significant step towards statehood, as it allowed for the establishment of a territorial government. However, the population was still relatively small, and it would be a few more years before statehood became a serious consideration.
The Missouri Compromise
The issue of Missouri’s admission to the Union became entangled in the larger national debate over slavery. At the time, there was a delicate balance of free and slave states in the U.S., and the Missouri Territory’s desire for statehood raised the question of whether it would enter as a free state or a slave state.
In 1820, Congress passed the Missouri Compromise, a landmark piece of legislation. It allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state but also admitted Maine as a free state, preserving the delicate balance between free and slave states in the U.S. The compromise also established a line, known as the 36°30′ parallel, which would be used to determine whether future states admitted to the Union could permit slavery. States north of the line would be free, and those south of it could allow slavery.
Statehood
On August 10, 1821, Missouri was officially admitted to the Union as the 24th state. It became the first state entirely west of the Mississippi River to join the United States. Missouri’s admission was significant, not only because it added to the nation’s territory but also because it represented the broader debates and tensions over slavery that would eventually lead to the American Civil War.
Missouri’s history as a state reflects the complex issues of the time, including westward expansion, slavery, and the efforts to maintain a balance between free and slave states.
Today the state has a diverse economy, with industries ranging from agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation to healthcare and finance. It’s a day that both Missourians and visitors honor the history, nature, and unique character of Missouri.
MISSOURI STATE Motto
“Salus populi suprema lex esto”
(Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law)
🌳 HOW to Celebrate & Observe MISSOURI Day?
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on MISSOURI Day!
💙 Learn Missouri’s Transitional HISTORY
Dive into the rich history of Missouri by visiting museums, historical sites, or heritage centers. Take the opportunity to educate yourself about the pioneers, indigenous cultures, and significant events that shaped Missouri’s past.
Missouri has a history marked by significant transitions, from its early days as part of the Louisiana Territory to its role in westward expansion and the tumultuous events of the Civil War. These transitions often came with struggles and challenges that shaped the state’s identity.
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💙 Visit unique FACTORY TOURS in the State of Missouri
Missouri offers a variety of local factory tours that provide fascinating insights into the state’s artisanal and manufacturing traditions. These tours can be both educational, entertaining, and an excellent way to learn about local industries and see how things are made.
Here are some factory tours you can visit in Missouri:
- The Caramel House: Our friend Janet proudly offers tours where you can discover the art of crafting delicious caramel treats. You can see how soft she makes her mouthwatering caramels. Learn about the caramel-making process from Janet with her gift of the gab. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to sample & purchase her sweet creations. Visiting The Caramel House is a delightful way to explore the world of handcrafted caramel candies in St Louis. Did you know National CARAMEL Day is in April?
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Anheuser-Busch, one of the largest beer companies in the world, offers a popular brewery tour in St Louis. You can learn about the brewing process, visit the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, and, for those of legal drinking age, sample some of their products.
- Harley-Davidson: If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, this Kansas City tour is for you. Harley-Davidson offers tours where you can see how these iconic bikes are assembled. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the production process.
- Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate (Bissinger’s): This family-owned chocolate factory in St Louis provides tours where you can watch how chocolates are made, including hand-dipped delicious treats. They even have an “oops” section to buy from. Try the key-lime flavor!
💙 Try some Missouri-inspired CUISINE
Celebrate MISSOURI Day by eating your way through the Show-me State. Missouri-inspired cuisine reflects a blend of flavors from the Midwest and the South, creating a distinctive and delightful foodie tradition.
Visit local restaurants that highlight regional flavors and ingredients. Here are some key aspects of Missouri’s unique and diverse culinary offerings.
- Barbecue: Missouri is known for its barbecue, with a particular emphasis on slow-cooked, smoked meats. St Louis-style barbecue features pork spare ribs slathered in a tangy, sweet sauce. Kansas City-style barbecue is famous for its rich, tomato-based sauces and includes a variety of meats like beef, pork, and chicken.
- Toasted Ravioli: A St Louis specialty, as the name implies it’s breaded and deep-fried ravioli filled with meat, cheese, or spinach. It’s often served with marinara sauce for dipping, making it a popular appetizer.
- Gooey Butter Cake: This rich and indulgent dessert is a St Louis classic since a baker mixed up his ingredients in the 1930s. It has a cake-like crust and a gooey, buttery, sweet filling. Gooey butter cake is a favorite for those with a sweet tooth. Did you know National GOOEY BUTTER CAKE Day is in August?
💙 RAISE Social Awareness
Use social media posts with the hashtags #MissouriDay, #NationalMissouriDay, #StateofMissouri, #Missouri, #MO, #StateHolidays, #OctoberHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ MISSOURI Day.
LEARN all about the State of MISSOURI
MISSOURI FACTS FOR KIDS
MISSOURI: FROM THE AIR
ST LOUIS MISSOURI TRAVEL GUIDE
TWELVE Fun Facts you never knew about MISSOURI Day
- Missouri received its name from a local tribe of Sioux Indians known as the Missouris. The word Missouri translates to “wooden canoe people” or “he of the big canoe”.
- The ice cream cone is said to have been invented at the 1904 World’s Fair in St Louis. An ice cream vendor ran out of dishes and turned to next door Assyrian vendor Ernest A Hamwi for help. Hamwi was selling zalabis (crisp waffle-like pastries); he quickly began rolling up waffles to hold the ice cream, creating the first ice cream cone!
- Missouri is home to more than 6,000 caves, including the famous Meramec Caverns.
- Samuel Langhorne Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, was born in Florida, Missouri. He’s one of America’s most famous authors, known for “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Huckleberry Finn”.
- Missouri is home to one of the first continuously operated botanical gardens in the U.S. founded in 1859.
- Missouri is often called the “Show-Me State”. The phrase is Missourians’ practical and skeptical nature, meaning they want to see proof before they believe something.
- Yes, in University City, Missouri, it’s illegal to have a yard sale in your front yard
- Eight different neighboring states border Missouri (Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska), making it tied with Tennessee for the most.
- St Joseph, Missouri was the starting point for the Pony Express, a historic mail delivery service that connected the eastern and western United States. Riders on horseback delivered mail across the country in record time!
- Gateway Arch in St Louis was designed by Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen in 1947. It’s a stunning piece of architecture that stands 630 feet (192 meters) as the tallest man-made national monument in the United States. That’s 75 feet (22.9 meters) higher than the Washington Monument and more than twice the height of the Statue of Liberty!
- Kansas City, Missouri is known as the “City of Fountains”, with more fountains than any other city besides Rome.
- In 1873, Susan Elizabeth Blow established the first public kindergarten in the United States, located in St Louis.
Famous PEOPLE also born around the 3rd Wednesday in October
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Zhang Heng
Chinese inventor, mathematician, astronomer, and engineer best known for inventing the first seismoscope, an early device for detecting earthquakes. Born 78 AD.
ZHANG HENG Quote
“Heaven is like an egg, and the earth is like the yolk of the egg.”
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Chuck Berry
American musician often called the “Father of Rock & Roll”. Born into a St Louis, Missouri middle-class family, he had a significant influence on the development of rock music with hits like “Johnny B Goode” and “Roll Over Beethoven”. Born 1926.
CHUCK BERRY Quote
“Don’t let the same dog bite you twice.”
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Martina Navratilova
Czechoslovakian pro tennis player best known for winning a record 18 Grand Slam singles titles and one of the greatest who played the game. Born 1956.
MARTINA NAVRATILOVA Quote
“Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you’re needed by someone.”
Future DATES for MISSOURI Day
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | October 18 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | October 16 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | October 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 21 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | October 20 | Wednesday |
🛶 State of Missouri FAQ
WHEN is MISSOURI Day?
- MISSOURI Day is an annual celebration held on the 3rd Wednesday in October each year.
What are some popular tourist ATTRACTIONS in Missouri?
- Some of the more popular tourist attractions in Missouri include Gateway Arch, Silver Dollar City, Mark Twain Boyhood Home, St Louis Zoo, Forest Park, Grant’s Farm, and Anheuser-Busch. Other popular destinations include Meramec Caverns, Lake of the Ozarks, Cahokia Mounds, Elephant Rocks, and the Missouri Botanical Garden with its Butterfly House. Amusement parks include Six Flags St Louis, Worlds of Fun, Silver Dollar City, City Museum, and Union Station. These are just a fraction of the many exciting places to explore in Missouri, from natural beauty to historical sites and modern entertainment.
What is Missouri KNOWN for?
- MO is known for its iconic Gateway Arch, the birthplace of author Mark Twain, and its renowned barbecue traditions, with distinct St Louis and Kansas City styles. The state boasts a strong educational system, with the prestigious University of Missouri and Washington University. Missouri offers diverse landscapes, including the picturesque Ozark Mountains, the Mississippi, and the Missouri Rivers. It also played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and is home to a rich history seen in various museums and historical sites including one in the basement of the Gateway Arch! Truly good Italian food & culture can be found among St Louis’ bakeries up on the Hill.
What’s the WEATHER like in Missouri?
- Missouri State experiences distinct seasons throughout the year. The southern part of the state tends to be warmer and more humid, while the northern regions can experience colder winters.
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- Spring brings mild temperatures, increased rainfall, and blossoming landscapes. Summers are hot and humid, especially in July and August, with sometimes heavy thunderstorms and ideal conditions for water-related outdoor activities. High temperatures often reach the 80s and 90s °F (27-37°C). Fall is a beautiful season marked by comfortable temperatures ranging from 60-70s °F (15-25°C) and vibrant foliage, making it a popular time for festivals and outdoor adventures. Winters are cold with potential snowfall, particularly in the northern and western parts. Temperatures range from 30-40s °F (1-9°C) offering opportunities for winter sports like skiing and ice skating.
What are Missouri’s STATE SYMBOLS?
- Some of the more commonly seen state symbols of the State of Missouri include:
- The State Bird of Missouri is the Bluebird.
- The State Song of Missouri is the “Missouri Waltz”.
- The State Flower of Missouri is the Hawthorn.
- The State Exercise of Missouri is the Jumping Jacks.
- The State Insect of Missouri is the Honeybee.
- The State Dessert of Missouri is the Ice Cream Cone.
- The State Amphibian of Missouri is the American Bullfrog.
Why we L💜VE MISSOURI Day
MISSOURI Day is important to us as it celebrates the state’s unique identity. Of course, it fosters pride, unity, and promotes tourism, education, and economic growth. Ultimately, this serves as a unifying occasion for Missourians and those who love the Cave State. It’s also a day to celebrate Missouri’s past, present, and future, embracing its history, culture, natural beauty, and the warm spirit of its people.
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VIBRANT Cities & Communities
Missouri is home to vibrant cities like St Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield, each with own unique character and attractions. MISSOURI Day allows us to appreciate the lively urban centers and the sense of community that thrives across the state.
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Friendly & Welcoming RESIDENTS
Missouri is often called the Show-Me State, reflecting its residents’ friendly and down-to-earth nature. This is a day to appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and hospitality of its people.
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Promotion of TOURISM
Celebrating MISSOURI Day can draw attention to the state’s tourism industry, showcasing its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and attractions, which may boost local economies.
