The “Gateway to the West” is Missouri. The Mississippi River is on the eastern border, and the Missouri River cuts through it as a portion of its western border. Missouri is a natural hub of transportation and trade. People migrated west through this state for many years. Missouri is known for its oversized or random objects. It’s home to a 12-foot-long pecan, the world’s largest rocking chair (more than 42 feet tall), a giant rooster statue and the world’s largest chess piece (53 times as big as a regular piece).

National Missouri Day is celebrated every year on January 4!

National Missouri Day recognizes the 24th state to join the union.