How Missouri Became a State

The state of Missouri has a long and varied history, from its early days as part of the Louisiana Purchase to its eventual statehood in 1821. Missouri's journey to statehood was a complicated one, with a variety of factors playing a role in its eventual success.

Pre-Statehood History

Pre-Columbian period

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Missouri was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage, Missouria, and Sioux. These tribes were nomadic, and relied on hunting, fishing, and gathering for sustenance. The land was also rich in resources, such as lead, which was mined by the Native Americans to make tools and weapons. The tribes were also known for their intricate trading networks, which allowed them to trade goods and services with other tribes.

French and Spanish rule

In the early 1600s, French explorers began to explore the area that would become Missouri. The French established trading posts and forts in the area, and eventually claimed the land for France. In 1762, France ceded the land to Spain, who then controlled the area until 1803. During this period, the Spanish allowed French settlers to continue to inhabit the area, and also allowed the Native American tribes to remain in the area. The Spanish also established several missions in the area, and established the city of St. Louis in 1764. The city quickly became a major trading hub, and was a major factor in the development of the area.

U.S. Acquisition

Louisiana Purchase

The Louisiana Purchase was a land acquisition made by the United States in 1803. It was a treaty between the United States and France, in which the U.S. paid 15 million dollars for the Louisiana Territory. This territory included the land that would eventually become the state of Missouri. The Louisiana Purchase was a significant event in American history, as it doubled the size of the United States and provided the country with access to the Mississippi River. It was also important for Missouri, as it provided the land that would eventually become the state.

Missouri Compromise

The Missouri Compromise was an agreement between the United States and Missouri in 1820. It allowed Missouri to become a slave state, while Maine was allowed to become a free state. This compromise was important for Missouri, as it allowed the state to become a part of the United States. The Missouri Compromise also helped to resolve the issue of slavery in the United States, as it allowed Missouri to become a slave state while Maine was allowed to become a free state. This compromise was important for the future of Missouri, as it allowed the state to become a part of the United States.

The Missouri Compromise also included the provision that slavery would be prohibited in all other territories of the Louisiana Purchase north of the 36°30' parallel. This was important for Missouri, as it helped to ensure that the state would remain a slave state. This provision was also important for the future of the United States, as it helped to prevent the spread of slavery into other parts of the country.

The Missouri Compromise was an important event in American history, as it helped to resolve the issue of slavery in the United States and allowed Missouri to become a part of the United States. The Missouri Compromise was also important for the future of Missouri, as it helped to ensure that the state would remain a slave state and allowed it to become a part of the United States. The Missouri Compromise was an important event in the history of Missouri, as it allowed the state to become a part of the United States and helped to resolve the issue of slavery in the United States.

Statehood

Missouri Constitution

In 1820, the Missouri Territory was ready to become a state. The first step in the process was to create a state constitution. A convention was held in St. Louis in 1820 to draft the document. The convention was made up of representatives from the various counties in the territory. They wrote a constitution that provided for a bicameral legislature, a governor, and a court system. It also provided for the separation of powers between the three branches of government. The convention also wrote a bill of rights that protected the rights of citizens.

The constitution was then put to a vote of the people of the territory. It was overwhelmingly approved and Missouri was ready to become a state.

Admission to the Union

The next step in the process of becoming a state was to gain admission to the Union. The Missouri Constitution was sent to the U.S. Congress for approval. Congress debated the issue for several months before finally approving the document. On August 10, 1821, President James Monroe signed the bill that officially admitted Missouri to the Union as the 24th state.

The admission of Missouri to the Union was a major milestone in the history of the United States. It marked the first time that a state had been admitted to the Union west of the Mississippi River. It also marked the first time that a state had been admitted to the Union with a constitution that provided for the separation of powers between the three branches of government.

The admission of Missouri to the Union also had a major impact on the politics of the nation. Missouri was a slave state and its admission to the Union helped to maintain the balance of power between the free states and the slave states. This balance of power would remain in place until the Civil War.

Post-Statehood

Missouri’s role in the Civil War

When Missouri became a state in 1821, it was the 24th state to join the Union. Missouri had a major role in the Civil War, as it was a border state between the North and the South. It was the site of numerous battles, and the state was divided in its loyalties. The state was officially neutral, but many of its citizens were divided in their sympathies. Some of the major battles in Missouri included the Battle of Wilson's Creek and the Battle of Pea Ridge. Missouri was also the site of the Battle of Lexington, which was the first major battle of the Civil War.

Missouri’s economic development

After the Civil War, Missouri began to develop economically. The state was able to take advantage of its location on the Mississippi River, and it became a major transportation hub. The railroad industry also began to develop in the state, and it helped to spur economic growth. The state also began to develop its agricultural industry, and it became a major producer of corn, wheat, and other grains. The state also developed its manufacturing industry, and it became a major producer of steel, automobiles, and other products. The state also developed its tourism industry, and it became a popular destination for visitors from all over the country.