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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. |
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