<P> Missouri played a central role in the westward expansion of the United States, as memorialized by the Gateway Arch . The Pony Express, Oregon Trail, Santa Fe Trail, and California Trail all began in Missouri . As a border state, Missouri's role in the American Civil War was complex and there were many conflicts within . After the war, both Greater St. Louis and the Kansas City metropolitan area became centers of industrialization and business . Today, the state is divided into 114 counties and the independent city of St. Louis . </P> <P> Missouri's culture blends elements from the Midwestern and Southern United States . The musical styles of ragtime, Kansas City jazz, and St. Louis Blues developed in Missouri . The well - known Kansas City - style barbecue, and lesser - known St. Louis - style barbecue, can be found across the state and beyond . St. Louis is also a major center of beer brewing; Anheuser - Busch is the largest producer in the world . Missouri wine is produced in the nearby Missouri Rhineland and Ozarks . Missouri's alcohol laws are among the most permissive in the United States . Outside of the large cities popular tourist destinations include the Lake of the Ozarks and Branson . </P> <P> Well - known Missourians include U.S. President Harry S. Truman, Mark Twain, Walt Disney, Chuck Berry and Nelly . Some of the largest companies based in the state include Cerner, Express Scripts, Monsanto, Emerson Electric, Edward Jones, H&R Block, Wells Fargo Advisors and O'Reilly Auto Parts . Missouri has been called the "Mother of the West" and the "Cave State"; however, Missouri's most famous nickname is the "Show Me State", as Missourians are known for being skeptical . </P> <P> The state is named for the Missouri River, which was named after the indigenous Missouri Indians, a Siouan - language tribe . They were called the ouemessourita (wimihsoorita), meaning "those who have dugout canoes", by the Miami - Illinois language speakers . Also, assuming Missouri were deriving from the Siouan language, it would translate as "It connects to the side of it," in reference to the river itself . As the Illini were the first natives encountered by Europeans in the region, the latter adopted the Illini name for the Missouri people . </P>

Missouri is known as the show me state