For 200 years, Missourians have raised families, farmed land, established businesses and made major contributions to American history and society. Our state is home to the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. We have a thriving agricultural industry – our state is made up of two-thirds farmland – that has spanned generations, beautiful tourist destinations and business owners who serve our communities, provide jobs and help keep our local economies afloat.  August 10^th will mark the 200^th anniversary of Missouri statehood and gives good reason to celebrate this wonderful place we are so lucky to call home.

Our state has played several integral roles throughout American history. One of the most significant Supreme Court cases of all time – the Dred Scott v. Sanford decision – took place so that fellow Missourian Dred Scott could make his case for freedom. Students across the country learn about this case in history class and while the court did not ultimately rule in his favor, it was one of the most important moments in abolitionist history. Missourian George Washington Carver was one of history’s most prominent agricultural scientists and inventors, creating nearly 300 different products from peanuts like flour, wood stains, and soap. He was also one of the first supporters of crop rotation and helped develop farming practices that our state’s robust agriculture industry still utilizes today. Missouri has been home to prolific writers like Mark Twain and Laura Ingalls Wilder who have helped shaped the American literary landscape. And Walt Disney, who called Missouri home for many years, was an icon in the American entertainment industry, revolutionizing the way in which television and films used animation. 

This celebration has been 200 years in the making, and there will be no shortage of ways to commemorate it. Governor Parson has put together a Missouri Bicentennial Commission and they, along with our state’s historical society, have done a wonderful job of planning celebrations around our state to mark this historic milestone all year long. Since we are coming up on the actual anniversary next week, celebrations are really ramping up this weekend, especially here in the Third District. On Saturday, St. Charles is hosting a “First State Capitol Bicentennial Bash” to celebrate the five years St. Charles spent as our state’s capitol while Jefferson City was still being planned and developed. And on August 10^th, there will be lots to do in Jefferson City to celebrate. The official Missouri Bicentennial Commemoration will take place at 9:00am on the steps of the capitol, celebrating 200 years of statehood and all we have accomplished as a state thus far. Following the ceremony, the first floor of the capitol building will be open to visitors to leave notes in the Bicentennial Time Capsule. These notes will be read by future Missourians on August 10, 2046, when it will be unsealed and open for public viewing. And what better way to end Statehood Day than with our state’s official dessert – the ice cream cone – at an ice cream social with fellow Missourians. For more information about events near you, please visit Missouri2021.org.

My family has been fortunate to call Missouri home for six generations and representing this state continues to be the honor of my lifetime. I’m so pleased to continue celebrating the Bicentennial of the Show Me State this year and look forward to many more years and generations of Missouri excellence and prosperity.