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.
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 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.
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)
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!
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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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:
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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