France sold the territory to the U.S. in 1803 for $15,000,000. The territory was admitted as a state following the Missouri Compromise of 1820. Missouri subsequently grew rapidly until the Civil War, which saw numerous small battles and control by 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 diversified. Service industries provide more income and jobs than any other market segment, including a growing tourism sector. Wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and agriculture also play significant roles in the state’s economy.
Missouri is a leading producer of auto parts, beer and beverages, and defense and aerospace technology.
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.