Missouri was purchased from France in 1803. Over the ensuing seventeen years, settlers began establishing themselves in the Missouri Territory (which it became known as to separate the Louisiana Purchase territory from Louisiana which had established itself as a state in 1812). Originally settled by primarily French settlers (around the St. Louis area), many people poured into the area after the War of 1812. The Missouri Territory lasted until August 10, 1821, when Missouri achieved Statehood, the 24th state of the United States.

Statehood did not come easy. Missouri was admitted after trying twice to become a state, first in 1818 and then again in 1819. What became known as the Missouri Compromise allowed Missouri admittance into the United States. In this compromise, Speaker of the House Henry Clay proposed that Maine be let in as a free state and Missouri be admitted as a slave state, which would keep the balance of power split between free and slave states.

Jefferson City was chosen to become the new State Capital. As the rivers were critical for all commerce in those early days, the Capital was located on the Missouri River just under 40 miles to the mouth of the Osage River. Although Missouri was split during the Civil War, the State Capitol always stayed with the Union. The third major river is the Mississippi. St. Louis sits at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. As the most westward state of the United States until Texas joined in 1845, most wagon trains would form in St. Louis before heading West. St. Louis became known as the Gateway to the West. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis recognizes this designation.

In Jefferson City, a monument recognizes the great work of Lewis and Clark as they explored the Missouri River between 1803 – 1806.

Fun facts: The flowering dogwood tree is the state tree – which are a favorite. In addition, the state’s nickname or slogan is the “Show Me State.” Two things: no one knows the origin of the nickname and it is an unofficial designation.