Missouri - The Show Me State
Capital: Jefferson City | Abbreviation: MO | Region: Midwest | Population: 6.2 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 6,177,957 |
| Area | 69,707 sq mi (180,540 km²) |
| Population Rank | 18th |
| Area Rank | 21st |
| Capital | Jefferson City |
| Largest City | Kansas City (509K) |
| Statehood | August 10, 1821 (24th state) |
| Time Zone | Central (UTC-6 / UTC-5) |
| Nickname | The Show Me State |
Interactive Map
🔴 Jefferson City (Capital)
About Missouri
Missouri is a Midwestern state with a population of 6.2 million, making it the eighteenth-most populous state. The state capital is Jefferson City, while Kansas City is the largest city with 509,000 residents (metro 2.2 million). St. Louis, with 301,000 residents (metro 2.8 million), is the state's second-largest city and economic powerhouse. Missouri became the 24th state on August 10, 1821, entering as part of the Missouri Compromise which attempted to balance free and slave states.
Missouri's location at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers made it the "Gateway to the West" during westward expansion. The iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis (630 feet tall) commemorates this role and is America's tallest man-made monument. Missouri was the starting point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, and the Pony Express. The state's central location continues to make it a transportation and logistics hub.
Missouri has a diverse economy including aerospace (Boeing), agriculture, biotechnology, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing. The state is famous for Kansas City barbecue, considered among the world's best, and St. Louis-style pizza. Missouri has produced notable figures including Mark Twain, Harry S. Truman (33rd President), Walt Disney, and Chuck Berry. The state is also known for its caves (over 6,000), Branson entertainment destination, and passionate sports fans.
Geography & Climate
Missouri features diverse geography with major rivers and varied terrain:
- Missouri River: Longest river in North America, flows across state
- Mississippi River: Forms eastern border, major commercial waterway
- Ozark Plateau: Southern region with hills, forests, springs, caves
- Great Plains: Northern region with rolling prairie, agriculture
- Boot Heel: Southeast corner in Mississippi Delta region
- Climate: Humid continental, hot humid summers, cold winters, tornadoes in spring
Major Cities
Kansas City
Population: 508,090
Metro: 2.2M
Known For: BBQ capital, jazz heritage, fountains, Chiefs & Royals, Hallmark
St. Louis
Population: 301,578
Metro: 2.8M
Known For: Gateway Arch, Anheuser-Busch, Cardinals, blues music, toasted ravioli
Springfield
Population: 169,176
Metro: 475K
Known For: Route 66, Bass Pro Shops headquarters, southwest Missouri hub
Columbia
Population: 126,254
Known For: University of Missouri, college town, journalism school, central location
Independence
Population: 123,011
Known For: Harry S. Truman home, Oregon Trail, Mormon history, Kansas City suburb
Jefferson City
Population: 43,228
Known For: State capital, Missouri River, government, historic architecture
Gateway to the West
Missouri played a crucial role in American westward expansion:
- Gateway Arch: 630-foot stainless steel monument in St. Louis, tallest in US, symbol of westward expansion
- Lewis and Clark Expedition: Departed from St. Louis area (1804) to explore Louisiana Purchase
- Oregon Trail: Started in Independence, Missouri - pioneers headed west to Oregon Territory
- Santa Fe Trail: Trade route from Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico (1821-1880)
- Pony Express: Mail service started in St. Joseph, Missouri (1860-1861)
- Missouri Compromise (1820): Admitted Missouri as slave state, Maine as free state, shaped expansion debate
- Jesse James: Famous outlaw from Missouri, bank and train robber of Wild West era
Economy & Industry
Missouri has a diverse, centrally-located economy:
- Aerospace: Boeing (largest private employer), defense contractors, aircraft manufacturing in St. Louis
- Agriculture: Soybeans, corn, cattle, hogs - major agricultural producer, Monsanto heritage
- Transportation & Logistics: Central US location, major rail hub, trucking, distribution centers
- Automotive: Ford and GM plants, auto parts manufacturing
- Biotechnology: Plant science, agricultural biotech, medical research
- Financial Services: Edward Jones (St. Louis), Commerce Bancshares, financial centers
- Food & Beverage: Anheuser-Busch (St. Louis), pasta, snacks, food processing
Cultural Heritage & Cuisine
Missouri has rich cultural traditions and iconic cuisine:
Kansas City BBQ
Kansas City is world-renowned for its barbecue, featuring slow-smoked meats with thick, sweet tomato-based sauce. The city has over 100 barbecue restaurants. KC-style BBQ includes burnt ends (brisket point), ribs, pulled pork, and unique sides. Arthur Bryant's and Gates BBQ are legendary establishments. The American Royal World Series of Barbecue is the world's largest BBQ competition.
Music & Arts
- Jazz: Kansas City jazz legendary - Count Basie, Charlie Parker
- Blues: St. Louis blues heritage, Chuck Berry rock 'n' roll
- Ragtime: Scott Joplin's ragtime music from Missouri
- Mark Twain: Samuel Clemens from Hannibal, Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn
- Walt Disney: Grew up in Marceline, Missouri
Interesting Facts
- Gateway Arch is tallest man-made monument in US (630 feet)
- Ice cream cone invented at 1904 St. Louis World's Fair
- Kansas City has more fountains than any city except Rome
- Harry S. Truman (33rd President) from Independence, Missouri
- State has over 6,000 caves, more than any other state
- Branson has more theater seats than Broadway
- First successful parachute jump from airplane (1912, St. Louis)
- Pony Express started in St. Joseph, Missouri (1860)
- Route 66 crosses Missouri, including oldest Route 66 roadbed
- St. Louis hosted 1904 Summer Olympics and World's Fair
- Missouri mule is state animal - mules were vital for westward expansion
- Hallmark Cards founded in Kansas City (1910)
- First kindergarten west of Mississippi opened in St. Louis (1873)
- Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis is one of largest in world
Neighboring States
Missouri borders 8 states, tied with Tennessee for most
Compare Missouri
See how Missouri compares to other states in population, economy, and more.
Compare Missouri