State Flower:

Hawthorn

Missouri's State Flower actually grows on a tree. More than 75 species of the hawthorn are found throughout the state. The white hawthorn blossom was chosen as the State Flower in 1923.

State Bird:

Bluebird

The native bluebird was chosen as the State Bird in 1927 because it is known as a symbol of happiness and a friend to farmers. The bluebird is commonly found in Missouri from early spring until late November.

State Tree:

Flowering Dogwood

The Flowering Dogwood became Missouri's State Tree in 1955. It's most beautiful in the Spring, when its pink and white flowers dazzle Missouri's landscapes and cityscapes.

State Flag:

Missouri's flag shows the State seal with 24 stars indicating Missouri as the 24th state to join the union. The circular seal in the center is divided in two: the right side shows the seal of the United States; the left side shows a moon, symbolizing Missouri as a new state and grizzly bears symbolizing courage. The center is a tribute to the United States with the motto, "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" set against the national colors of red, white and blue. The Roman numerals of 1820 indicate the date of the state constitution.

Famous Person:

Harry S. Truman

"The buck stops here."

Harry Truman came from a similar background as Calvin Coolidge, but instead of a farm in Vermont, he came from a farm in Missouri. Both preferred their beloved homelands to the hectic political life of Washington. Both became president by the unexpected death of their predecessor and rose eminently to meet the challenge. And both surprised the political pundits of their day with their reelection victories. Truman's case was even more dramatic. His own party had an insider "dump Truman" campaign. His campaign song "I'm Just Wild About Harry," was mocked with "I'm Just Mild About Harry." But Truman took his message to the people in an aggressive "give 'em hell, Harry" whistle stop campaign that was ridiculed by the experts. The Chicago Tribune was so sure that the Republican candidate, Thomas Dewey, had the election in the bag, they printed their page one story early. "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN" the embarrassing headline shouted. In fact, Dewey, too, went to bed early, confident that he had won. When a reporter called the hotel to get Dewey's reaction, the front desk clerk said, "I'm sorry, the President is asleep." The reporter replied, "You better wake him up and tell him he's not President.