Hernando de Soto visited the Missouri
area in 1541. France's claim to the entire region
was based on Sieur de la Salle's travels in 1682.
French fur traders established Ste. Genevieve in
1735, and St. Louis was first settled in 1764.
The U.S. gained Missouri from France as part of the
Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and the territory was
admitted as a state following the Missouri
Compromise of 1820. Throughout the pre–Civil War
period and during the war, Missourians were sharply
divided in their opinions about slavery and in their
allegiances, supplying both Union and Confederate
forces with troops. However, the state itself
remained in the Union.
Historically, Missouri played a leading role as a
gateway to the West, St. Joseph being the eastern
starting point of the Pony Express, while the
much-traveled Santa Fe and Oregon trails began in
Independence.Missouri's
economy is highly diversified. Service industries
provide more income and jobs than any other segment,
and include a growing tourism and travel sector.
Wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and
agriculture also play significant roles in the
state's economy.
Missouri is a leading producer of transportation
equipment (including automobile manufacturing and
auto parts), beer and beverages, and defense and
aerospace technology. Food processing is the state's
fastest-growing industry.
Missouri mines produce 90% of the nation's principal
(non-recycled) lead supply. Other natural resources
include iron ore, zinc, barite, limestone, and
timber.
The state's top agricultural products include grain,
sorghum, hay, corn, soybeans, and rice. Missouri
also ranks high among the states in cattle and
calves, hogs, and turkeys and broilers. A vibrant
wine industry also contributes to the economy.
Tourism draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to a
number of Missouri points of interest: the
country-music shows of Branson; Bass Pro Shops
national headquarters (Springfield); the Gateway
Arch at the Jefferson National Expansion (St.
Louis); Mark Twain's boyhood home (Hannibal); the
Harry S Truman home and library (Independence); the
scenic beauty of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways;
and the Pony Express and Jesse James museums (St.
Joseph). The state's different lake regions also
attract fishermen and sun-seekers from throughout
the Midwest. |
