Missouri

The Show-Me State

Missouri has long stood at the meeting point between East and West, North and South, with major rivers, frontier trails, farms, cities, music, industry, and transportation routes shaping its identity. Native peoples lived throughout the region long before European traders and settlers arrived. Missouri became the 24th state in 1821, and its position along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers made it an important center for commerce and westward travel. St. Louis became known as the Gateway to the West, while Kansas City grew through railroads, livestock, trade, and manufacturing. Missouri played an important role in America's movement westward as pioneers departed along trails toward Oregon, California, and Santa Fe. Agriculture remains important, but the state's economy also includes manufacturing, transportation, aerospace, healthcare, finance, and technology. Missouri has made major contributions to blues, jazz, ragtime, country, and other American musical traditions, while Kansas City barbecue and St. Louis food traditions have become part of its cultural identity. The Ozark Mountains, Lake of the Ozarks, forests, caves, farmland, and river valleys add tremendous natural variety. Missouri's story is about movement and connection—a state where rivers, roads, railways, farms, neighborhoods, music, and generations of travelers have met in America's center.

I've been there.
I know that place.
Missouri is part of my story.

MISSOURI
The Show-Me StateExplore the places. Learn their stories. Remember the journey.

MILEAMERICA
Wear the Journey.