Missouri Fast Facts, Links and
Information on the Ozarks

Missouri's Central Region is well known for its hunting, fishing, outdoor recreation, Riverways and boasts premier lake and resort destinations, wineries, beautiful hiking and biking trails and the state capital, just for starters.

Missouri began with adventurous spirits and bold pioneers. Immigrants from all over the world traveled through Missouri searching for a new life, and found it. Missouri became a rich tapestry of many colors, cultures and traditions.

In the 3rd quarter of 2004, Missouri had the 11th lowest cost of living in the United States (of the 47 states and the District of Columbia surveyed by ACCRA). In general, the most expensive areas to live are New England, Alaska, Hawaii, and the West Coast.

The Lake of the Ozarks features 1,150 miles of shoreline winding through picturesque Ozark hills. Besides swimming, boating, water-skiing and fishing, visitors can explore area caves, choose from numerous golf courses and enjoy country-music shows and is just a little over an hour drive from Rolla Missouri.

Several State and National Parks are scattered throughout the region.

Jefferson City, the state's capital since 1862, features a 68-foot diameter rotunda designed in the Roman Renaissance style that welcomes visitors. While observing some of the best heritage-inspired murals by painter Thomas Hart Benton, view the legislative process or visit the inspiring "history hall" gallery. History buffs will enjoy touring Lincoln University, established in 1866 by enlisted men and officers in the 62nd and 65th U.S. Colored Infantries.

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.

From lake fun to historic river towns, there is plenty to keep you busy in Missouri's Central Region. With Rolla Missouri located almost center of the Show-Me State, you can easily explore all that Missouri has to offer.

My Favorite Missouri Links

Missouri State Government Home Page

Welcome to Missouri

Missouri Botanical Garden

Missouri Real Estate Commission

All About Missouri: History & Highlights

Missouri Road Conditions

Missouri Fast Facts

Capital: Jefferson City
Motto: Salus populi suprema lex esto (The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law)
Governor: Bob Holden, D (to Jan. 2005)
Lieut. Governor: Joe Maxwell, D (to Jan. 2005)
Senators: Christopher S. Bond, R (to Jan. 2005); James M. Talent, R (to Jan. 2009)
Secy. of State: Matt Blunt, R (to Jan. 2005)
Auditor: Claire C. McCaskill, D (to Jan. 2004)
Treasurer: Nancy Farmer, D (to Jan. 2005)
Atty. General: Jeremiah “Jay” W. Nixon, D (to Jan. 2005)
Organized as territory: June 4, 1812
Entered Union (rank): Aug. 10, 1821 (24)
Present constitution adopted: 1945
Nickname: Show-me State
Origin of name: Named after the Missouri Indian tribe. “Missouri” means “town of the large canoes.”
10 largest cities (2000): Kansas City, 441,545; St. Louis, 348,189; Springfield, 151,580; Independence, 113,288; Columbia, 84,531; St. Joseph, 73,990; Lee's Summit, 70,700; St. Charles, 60,321; St. Peter's, 51,381; Florissant, 50,497
Land area: 68,886 sq mi. (178,415 sq km)
Number of counties: 114, plus 1 independent city
State parks and historic sites: 81
2002 resident population est.: 5,672,579
2000 resident census population (rank): 5,595,211 (17). Male: 2,720,177 (48.6%); Female: 2,875,034 (51.4%). White: 4,748,083 (84.9%); Black: 629,391 (11.2%); American Indian: 25,076 (0.4%); Asian: 61,595 (1.1%); Other race: 45,827 (0.8%); Two or more races: 82,061 (1.5%); Hispanic/Latino: 118,592 (2.1%). 2000 percent population 18 and over: 74.5; 65 and over: 13.5; median age: 36.1.

Missouri State Symbols

flower	Hawthorn (designated 1923)
bird	Bluebird (designated 1927)
fish	Channel catfish (designated 1997)
aquatic animal	Paddlefish (designated 1997)
song	“Missouri Waltz” (designated 1949)
aquatic animal	Paddlefish (designated 1997)
fossil	Crinoid (designated 1989)
musical instrument	Fiddle (designated 1987)
rock	Mozarkite (designated 1967)
mineral	Galena (designated 1967)
insect	Honeybee (designated 1985)
tree	Flowering dogwood (designated 1955)
tree nut	Eastern black walnut (designated 1990)
animal	Missouri Mule (designated 1995)
dance	Square dance (designated 1995)
Annual Missouri Day	Third Wednesday in October (designated 1969)