9 Missouri Nicknames and the Stories Behind Them

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Missouri sits in the Midwestern region of the United States, tied with Tennessee as the state that borders the most other states. But what you might not know is that there are plenty of Missouri nicknames to discover.

The most popular is the Show-Me State. This unofficial motto reflects the Missourians' practical nature and conservative spirit. In other words, those who live in Missouri have a no-nonsense approach, though don't worry, they're still very friendly. To discover more nicknames, keep reading for a complete guide to Missouri's alternative names and slogans.

9 Nicknames for Missouri

The Show-Me State

The most common moniker that you'll hear for Missouri is the Show-Me State. While this isn't an official nickname, it's one that is used often by Missourians and has also featured on the state's license plate. This moniker is a tongue-in-cheek reference to Missourians' skeptical and conservative nature.

While the origins of the name are unclear, the general consensus is that this nickname stemmed from Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver. He attended a Philadelphia naval banquet in 1899 and famously said, "I am from Missouri, and you have got to show me." This indicated that attendees could not impress him with their accolades and wealth. Instead, they had to show their skill.

Bullion State

Bullion State is an old-fashioned nickname for Missouri, but one that was used in reference to the state's successful silver mining history. The industry began at the Einstein mine in the late 1870s. It became so popular that a community called Silver Mine was set up for the miners of the Einstein, Ozark, and Apex mines.

It is additionally believed that this nickname is partly thanks to Thomas Hart Benton. He was the first Missouri Senator and the first man to serve 30 years in the U.S. Senate. He championed hard currency like gold and silver, earning himself the nickname Old Bullion.

Cave State

Tennessee might take the title for the US state with the most caves, but Missouri comes in at a close second. And it has the Cave State nickname to prove it. This name highlights Missouri's fascinating subterranean caverns.

Some of the most popular caves in the state include the Meramec Caverns, Onondaga Cave, and Marvel Cave. Additonally, the Fantastic Caverns are home to the only drive-through cave in the US. Here, you can hop on a Jeep and spot the Frozen Waterfall and many unique rock formations from the comfort of a vehicle.

Lead State

While it's not a very common nickname anymore, you might hear Missouri being referred to as the Lead State. Southeast Missouri has been mining lead since before the 1700s. The region then went on to become a major producer of lead throughout the 19th century.

Additionally, the state is home to the Southeast Missouri Lead District, one of the richest lead deposits in the world. Missourians used lead in an abundance of industries in the 1800s, most notably for ammunition and paint. Although lead mining still happens in Missouri, the nickname faded out of use over the last century.

Mother of the West

Another Missouri nickname you might hear is Mother of the West. This is due to the fact that in the early 19th century, Missouri acted as a gateway to the West.

Many pioneers passed through the state via the Missouri River towards the Mississippi River on their way to settle in the Western USA. Numerous Missouri landmarks document this portion of history, such as the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Pennsylvania of the West

Did you know that Missouri is referred to as the Pennsylvania of the West? This is thanks to the similarities of the mining and manufacturing industries in Missouri and Pennsylvania.

One of the most interesting facts about Missouri is that the state has a long history of mining. Early activity began in the 1740s, and in the 1840s, coal mining became a major industry. Settlers then also took advantage of the state's lead and iron.

Likewise, Pennsylvania was known for its coal mining that began in the mid-1800s. The industry exploded after the American Civil War, resulting in the anthracite mining industry becoming a huge source of income for Pennsylvania. Outside of industry, both states have beautiful outdoor areas, notably the Ozarks in Missouri and the Allegheny Mountains region in Pennsylvania.

Ozark State

If you're heading to Missouri to hike or generally explore the outdoors, you'll likely hear the name Ozark State. This is a reference to the Ozark Mountains, or simply the Ozarks, which attract numerous visitors to Missouri each year.

The Ozark Mountains stretch across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, notably covering a large portion of southern Missouri. The terrain is known to be rugged, where rolling hills meet soaring peaks and eroded plateaus.

These mountains are also famed for their abundance of water features, including large lakes and postcard-worthy waterfalls. Although this name isn't heard much in conversation, you may spot it in tourism information and souvenirs relating to the Ozarks region.

The Misery State

While the vast majority of Missouri state nicknames are positive, there is one name that refers to the state in a slightly more negative manner. That said, you won't hear the Misery State moniker often because the vast majority of Missourians won't use it.

While this name has no official origin, it's a play on words, as Missouri sounds like misery. It's used mainly by those trying to jokingly beat down the state, especially when it comes to sports. Perhaps pick another moniker to use when you're chatting with a local!

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Iron Mountain State

Like with the Ozark State, the Iron Mountain State nickname refers to Missouri's landscape. In particular, the Iron Mountain in St. Francois County.

A community was established here in 1836 at the foot of the mountain, which was said to be made completely of iron ore. Though the community no longer lives there, this quirky piece of Missouri history lives on through this wonderful slogan.

In Summary

Missouri's varied nicknames illustrate the state's rich history with mining, diverse geography, and independent spirit. The most common nickname, the Show-Me State, encapsulates Missourians' fiercely strong attitude.

While other Missouri monikers reflect the state's diverse landscape. The Ozark State and the Cave State pay homage to the Ozark Mountains and Missouri's abundance of caves, respectively. These nine names are some of the most popular that you'll likely hear when visiting Missouri. Make sure to use a few (except maybe the Misery State), and you'll sound like a local in no time.

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

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