Bordering eight different states (as does Tennessee), Missouri is known for its Ozark Mountains. Missouri also boosts 108,000 farms, the second largest in the US and a rising wine industry.
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With its central location and access to major waterways, Missouri was a main departure point of expeditions beginning in the late 1600sand continuing for almost 200 years. Lewis and Clark began their journey there in 1804. When the Santa Fe and Oregon trails opened their doors for trade and exploration, the departure point, in Missouri, was christened the "Gateway to the West."
The Missouri Compromise of 1820 allowed slavery in Missouri, however it prohibited it from any other part of the Louisiana Purchase north of the 36" 30’ parallel. The Dred Scott decision, filed by a Missouri slave who claimed his right to freedom because his owner had taken him to live in free areas for a time, further heighten the slavery versus states’ rights issue. The U.S. Supreme Court decided that the states had the only right to decide on the slavery issue, not the U.S. Congress.
After the Civil War, improvements to railroad transportation renewed interest to westward exploration. The agriculture industry was booming because of the climate and soil, but Missouri became more than a rural state. Manufacturing and commerce developed at a rapid pace and lead and zinc mining in the state’s west end lead to growth in the Kansas City area.
Harry Truman became a local governmental legend before he became President. He initiated local traffic and safety regulations that he eventually took with him to the White House. His term in the White House began instantaneously upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt and he proved to be a decisive leader, ending the war within months of his inauguration.
Missouri has long been know for its diversity in manufacturing. Although its generally known as a major brewing center, it ranks third in the nation in auto assembly. Other large manufacturing industries include military aircraft, food products, machinery, textiles, clothing and timber products. One of the largest lead fields in the world in the Viburnum Trend area in the St. Francious Mountains. High-grade zinc is smelted from the left over slag created in the lead refining process.
Farming is another leading economic producer with soybeans, corn, oats, wheat, hay, apples, peaches, strawberries and cotton leading the way in cash crops. The state is the leading producer of feeder pigs in the country. Over 60 percent of the total farming income comes from either livestock, dairying and egg production.
The statewide sales tax is 4.225 percent. Cities my impose an additional increment of up to 2.5 percent and may also impose a lodging tax of up to 5.5 percent and a food and beverage tax of up to 1.75 percent.
The development of lakes and reservoirs has made watersports the main recreational focus in Missouri’s southern half. Resorts near Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, Lake of the Ozarks and Branson provide ample opportunity for boating, fishing, water skiing and swimming. Hunting and camping are popular among the many State Parks. Branson has become a popular destination for country music fans by building may nightclubs and concert halls in conjunction with many big name stars.
