Show Me State (Noun)
Meaning
A midwestern state in central United States; a border state during the American Civil War, Missouri was admitted to the Confederacy without actually seceding from the Union.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The nickname 'Show-Me State' originated from Missouri Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver who exclaimed 'I'm from Missouri, and you have got to show me' during an 1899 speech.
- Missouri gained its 'Show-Me State' moniker due to its citizens' skeptical nature, often requiring evidence before believing.
- The 'Show-Me State' nickname was officially adopted by the Missouri state legislature in 1970, though the phrase itself had been used for many years prior.
- Missouri's history as the 'Show-Me State' is characterized by its stubborn stance during the American Civil War, never officially joining the Confederacy despite declaring independence from the Union.
- Originally referring to Missouri Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver's skepticism about the military prowess of Philippine Scouts, the 'Show-Me State' nickname would eventually come to define the state's culture as a whole.