Fun Facts
Missouri has had many nicknames through the years, but the one most widely known is the "Show Me State." No one knows exactly when or where the expression originated. Much of the credit for popularizing the term, however, goes to Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver of Cape Girardeau County. Vandiver - a scholar, writer and lecturer who served as a U.S. Representative from 1897 to 1905 - used the expression during an 1899 speech in Philadelphia. Speaking to Philadelphia's Five O'Clock Club, he questioned the accuracy of an earlier speaker's remarks, concluding with the phrase, "I'm from Missouri and you've got to show me." The expression soon caught the public fancy, portraying Missourians as tough-minded demanders of proof. State Tree Flower - The 68th General Assembly made the flowering dogwood Missouri's official state tree in 1955. The approximate blooming date for the dogwood is May 1st. State Animal - The Missouri Mule was chosen as the official animal of the State of Missouri by the 88th General Assembly in 1995. Known for its strength, hardiness, intelligence, even temper (and healthy stubbornness) the mule has come to symbolize Missouri. State Motto - Missouri's motto, "Salus populi suprema lex esto," translated from the Latin, becomes "let the good (or welfare) of the people be the supreme law." It is derived from Cicero's "De Legibus". State Bird - The bluebird is a native of Missouri and was made the official bird of the state by the 54th General Assembly by an act approved March 30, 1927. The law is as follows: "An official bird is hereby selected for the State of Missouri, the same to be the native bluebird (sialia sialis) and that said bluebird shall hereafter be known as the official state bird of the State of Missouri." |
