When it was admitted to the Union as the 24th state on August 10, 1821, Missouri was the nation’s western frontier. Soon, however, it became known as the Gateway to the West, because of the great overland routes that led from Missouri to California and Oregon. Still another nickname was added to the list in 1899, when Congressman Willard D. Vandiver said: “I come from a country that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I’m from Missouri. You’ve got to show me.” After that, Missouri became known as the Show Me State. http://www.mymissourigenealogy.com