Facts About Missouri for Kids
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Missouri is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States. It is often referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” because many pioneers started their westward journey from Missouri. Here are some interesting Missouri facts for kids:
1. Missouri was admitted as the 24th state in the Union on August 10, 1821.
2. The state’s capital is Jefferson City, and its largest city is Kansas City.
3. Missouri’s state bird is the eastern bluebird, and its state flower is the Hawthorn.
4. Missouri is home to the Gateway Arch, which is the tallest national monument in the United States, standing at 630 feet tall.
5. Missouri’s name is derived from the Native American word “Missouri,” which means “town of the large canoes.”
6. The state is known for its barbecue, particularly in Kansas City, where it is a long-standing tradition.
7. The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top-rated zoos in the world and is home to over 18,000 animals.
8. Missouri is the birthplace of Mark Twain, the famous author who wrote “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
9. The state is home to several major universities, including the University of Missouri, Missouri State University, and Washington University in St. Louis.
10. The Missouri River is the longest river in the state, at 2,341 miles long.