Missouri
Missouri,
USA covers almost 70,000 square miles of widely varied terrain and
communities. MO's bustling big cities and sleepy country villages almost seem
to have created their own geological backgrounds.
While considered a
Midwestern state due to its central location, it is a point of pride in
Missouri to be
Southerners.
Missouri’s native son,
Mark Twain, captured the spirit of the region in his classic books such as
Tom Sawyer and
Huck Finn. This predominately-rural state is one of the top agricultural
producers in the
nation, ranking 6th in hog production and 7th in
cattle. Missouri ranks in the top five states for soybean production and boasts
a rapidly growing wine industry. In 2001, Missouri had 108,000 farms, with only
Texas claiming more.
Census 2000 recorded the MO population as 5,595,211.
Missouri is a land-locked state that borders eight others. Two of America’s
most important waterways flow here, the mighty
Mississippi and the
Missouri River. MO’s eight
Interstate Highways, four major railroads, and its location in the heart of
the nation contribute to making this a crucial transportation hub.
Missouri’s state capital is historic
Jefferson City, the starting point for the famous
Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804. During America’s
Westward Migration, Missouri served as the “Gateway to the West” and is the
birthplace of the Pony Express. Pioneer history stays alive in Missouri, with historic sites
such as the
Jesse James Farm in the small town of
Kearney and the
National Frontier Trails Museum in
Independence. The
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in
St. Louis is the site of the famous
Gateway Arch, built to commemorate the courageous spirit of our pioneers.
St. Louis, MO is a premier destination city where visitors delight in the
elegant
nightlife, soulful
music and more
free major attractions than any city other than
Washington DC. Part of the American
Musical Corridor that birthed Blues, Jazz, Ragtime, and Rock ‘n Roll, St.
Louis remains a front-runner in the
music industry. Adults enjoy the riverfront nightlife, while in the
daytime, their children can visit such attractions as the famous
St. Louis Zoo and the hands-on
St. Louis Science Center.
Kansas City, MO renowned as a jazz and blues capital, with excellent nightclubs and live music. Kansas City is a primary hub for agribusiness as
well, with extensive
convention facilities. Missouri’s other musical delight is the small town
of
Branson, the “Live Music Show Capital of the World”. Branson boasts more
than forty theaters, showcasing
country music stars, which attract more than 5 million visitors a year.
This little town with a population of 6,000 lies deep in the mysterious and
haunting
Ozark Mountains.
The
Ozarks are some of America’s oldest mountains, and the
Ozark Plateau covers most of Southern Missouri.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park holds some of the oldest exposed rock in the
U.S., and rock-climbers delight in the steep, canyon-like gorges. The
Mark Twain National Forest offers 1.5 million acres for exploration, with
more than 5,500 caves, lending Missouri the nickname of the “Cave State”. With
many miles of splendid waterways for canoeing and kayaking, Southern MO is rife
with
outdoor activities.
Missouri is a land that transforms from muddy river delta wetland, to
towering limestone peaks. Visitors and residents here choose from the sassy
soul sounds of the glittering cities, or the peaceful tranquility of Missouri’s
farmland and vast stretches of wilderness. Missouri offers something splendid
for every taste.
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