The Unique Reason Why Missouri is Called the ‘Show-Me’ State

Ever wonder how a state is given a nickname?

You would think it could be tied to its historical nature, an important person, maybe what the state is known for.

Mississippi is known as the Hospitality State (that southern charm), Iowa is the Hawkeye State, and Colorado's nickname is the Centennial State. Still, Missouri's...well it's just downright weird on how it got its nickname.

Where did the Show-Me State Nickname Come From?

It didn't come from Mark Twain or Harry Truman. In fact, the name came from a person that I am pretty sure you never heard of Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver. In a speech he was giving at a naval banquet he coined the phrase,

I am from Missouri. You have got to show me.

That's it.

Get our free mobile app

One sentence and that is how Missouri got its nickname the Show-Me State. It is also mentioned in the history books that the nickname describes miners from Missouri in Colorado who needed explicit instructions. I like the first version better, it's a bit easier to explain.