August 10, 1821. On that day the United States made it's greatest expansion move since 1776 and still stands as the nation's greatest acquisition. On that day, 200 years ago, the United States of America granted statehood for the 24th time. The great State Of Missouri entered into the Union.
Missouri did not enter statehood smoothly though. It took many debates in Congress what the circumstances of Missouri statehood would entail. The result was the Missouri Compromise. Under this compromise Missouri would be the last state to enter the union with the right to make slavery legal if they so desired. Missouri walked the fine line between slavery and emancipation. Missouri has vast cotton fields in the southern half of the state, particularly in the bootheel portion of the state. However, when the Confederacy was created Missouri did not join the rebels. It remained a Union state much to the chagrin of about half of the population. Because of this, Kansas came in as a free state and the Civil War brought some of the fiercest fighting along the Kansas and Missouri border. In many ways the rift between Kansas and Missouri continues to this day. It is hard to explain the dynamic of it, but you can feel it.
Besides the Missouri Compromise, Missouri has a rich history. It was where the Lewis and Clark expedition kicked off as they made their way up the Missouri River in search of the Northwest Passageway. William Howard Clark, yup same name as the one I carry, would become the first Governor of the state. Both the Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe trail had their jumping off points on the western edge of Missouri. The Pony Express, which carried mail to western destinations in the wilds was based in St. Joseph.
It is the setting for the last eastern city in the country (St. Louis) and the first western city (Kansas City). The Great Arch along the Mississippi River in St. Louis is the Gateway to the West.
This state brought us Jesse and Frank James and the Younger brothers. Modern day Robinhoods. St Joseph was also the place here Jesse died. To those in Missouri he was murdered as a southern folk hero.
This is the state that gave Harry Truman to the nation. You're welcome.
The state is where the two largest rivers in North America come together with the Missouri River and Mississippi River joining together. This convergence of the two mighty rivers made Missouri one of the biggest inland ports in the nation. The Missouri River is also the anchor that created Kansas City from a little trading post called Westport to a thriving metropolis that it is today.
Geography wise the state is beautiful in all parts of it. From the cotton fields of the southeast to the scenic bluffs over looking the river in the northeast. The Ozark "Mountains" (even if they do seem more like very high rolling hills) in south central are a wonder in and of themselves. In mid-October these hills turn into a canvas and a wonder of God's handiwork. Yes, I have been in New England in the fall and have seen it's beauty, but the Missouri Ozarks can stand toe to toe with it.
Kansas City is known as the City of Fountains having fountains everywhere you look. It is home to the second largest public park with Swope Park sitting second to Central Park in New York City ... I should recheck that but I am pretty sure it is. At any rate one of the largest public parks in the nation.
It is a major center of culture and the arts. Kansas City and St Louis are major centers but the culture runs in all parts of the state. Questions that? Visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. It is world known as one of the great galleries in the world.
Missouri straight out middle America. It holds that title proudly. It is a diverse state that celebrates many cultures, races, and philosophies. It has swung back and forth like a slow moving pendulum between conservative and liberal. Currently the pendulum seems to be starting it's swing to the left but in about 50 years or so it will swing back to the right. always has and always will.
One last thing. The Missouri State Flag is, in my mind, the prettiest, most classy state flag of all the other fifty.
I could write more and I did plan on writing more but distractions with a higher priority came along, so I will stop here giving you a small but good idea of what the state is like. It is wonderful.
The sad thing is though, there doesn't seem to be a lot of celebrations planned as far as I can tell. Of course, I don't follow the news as much as I use to and I am pretty well off Facebook except to check on friends and family to see how they are doing, so there could be a lot going on but I am ignorant of them.
Bottom line is this. I LOVE THIS STATE. I am proud to be born here and to have resided here my entire life. I am proud of this state. Yes we do have problems just as other states do but to me this is a special place. I truly love Missouri. I have been flying my Missouri State Flag since mid July in my own way celebrating this historic day. It is home. I am proud to call it home.
Happy Birthday Missouri!!!! Here's to the next 200 years. I love you.
