Missouri

Missouri is a state in the central part of the United States. It sits where two of the biggest rivers in America meet: the Missouri River and the Mississippi River. Missouri is famous for the Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The state is called the Show-Me State.

Land and People

About 6 million people live in Missouri. The capital is Jefferson City, but the two biggest cities are Kansas City and St. Louis. The northern part of the state has rolling farmland. The southern part has hills and forests called the Ozarks.

Culture and Fun Facts

Missouri is known for Kansas City barbecue, which is famous around the world. The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is 630 feet tall and celebrates the westward expansion of America. Mark Twain, who wrote Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. The state tree is the flowering dogwood.

Fun Facts

• The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is the tallest man-made monument in the United States at 630 feet.
• Mark Twain grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, and based his famous stories on his childhood there.
• Kansas City, Missouri, has more barbecue restaurants per person than almost any other city.

Did You Know?

Missouri is called the Show-Me State. This nickname means that people from Missouri like to see proof before they believe something.