Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto first visited this area in 1541, and France claimed the region after fur trader Rene-Robert De La Salle arrived in 1682. St. Louis was first inhabited in 1764, and Missouri became part of the U.S. through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. In 1820, Missouri became a state.

Both before and during the Civil War, Missourians were on the fence about slavery and supported both the Union and the Confederacy. The state itself remained in the Union.

Missouri played an important role during the early years of the nation. St. Joseph on the eastern edge of the state was the starting point of the famous Pony Express. The Oregon and Santa Fe Trails began in Independence.

Today, Missouri makes a lot of transportation equipment, such as autos and their parts, as well as beverages and beer, aerospace and defense technology parts. Food processing is also big here. Lead mining produces 90% of the country's non-recycled lead, and Missouri leads most states in the production of turkeys, cattle and grain.

Thousands of tourists visit Missouri hot spots every year. Branson is a well known entertainment destination with live performances, shopping, museums, riverboat tours and much more. Other state attractions include Bass Pro Shops Headquarters, Mark Twain's boyhood home, the Ozark National Scenic Railways, the Jesse James Museum and more. The lake regions in central Missouri draw fishermen, water devotees and sun worshippers.