A story of unverifiable accuracy states that in 1899 U.S. Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver declared that, “I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me." While this quote is often credited as giving birth to the nickname of Missouri, the meaning behind it has come to mean that one is skeptical and not easily fooled.
Here the meaning behind the Show-Me state takes on another form. We come from a state that has a unique history, we’ve had our share of colorful characters, and we have our own distinct mythology, lore, and local customs. We’ve even had a crackpot or two. We’ve passed under the flags of multiple nations and became the gateway to the west. We’ve seen outlaws and lawmen, heard tales of buried treasure, civil war skirmishes, and legends surrounding specters and spooks. From our history to our folklore, from our urban legends to our art, and from outlandish tales to unverified claims, Missouri has developed its own culture within its borders.
In the Show-Me, we explore that culture. Through shared tales of little known historical events, amusing insights into past events, and a dash or two of local legends, we intend to educate and entertain you as we look into what makes Missouri not just another state, but what makes Missouri the SHOW-ME.
