Missouri, MO

Missouri is the 21st largest state in the United States and named after the Missouri River and corresponding Missouri Territory, the name given to the Louisiana Purchase after Louisiana was admitted to the Union.  Missouri served as a bridge of sorts for much of its 19th century existence.  It was the starting point for the Oregon Trail and a contested Border State during the American Civil War.

Agriculture is an important part of the state’s economy alongside aerospace and equipment manufacturing.  Tourism follows manufacturing in economic importance with water tours of the Mississippi and monuments to the Oregon Trail and other pioneer landmarks drawing many visitors.

Most of Missouri’s population can be found around the road confluences of Kansas City and St. Louis with some smaller population concentrations in the southwest.

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