dual personalities

Today is the actual 200th anniversary of the day Missouri was admitted as the 24th state. Part of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase by the United States, Missouri earned the nickname Gateway to the West because it served as a significant departure point for expeditions and settlers heading to the West during the 19th century.

In case you were wondering, the Great Seal was designed by Judge Robert William Wells and adopted by the Missouri General Assembly on January 11, 1822.

The center of the state seal is composed of two parts. On the right is the United States coat-of-arms containing the bald eagle. In its claws are arrows and olive branches, signifying that the power of war and peace lies with the U.S. federal government. On the left side of the shield, the state side, are a grizzly bear and a silver crescent moon. The crescent symbolizes Missouri at the time of the state seal’s creation, a state of small population and wealth which would increase like the new or crescent moon; it also symbolizes the “second son,” meaning Missouri was the second state formed out of the Louisiana Territory.

This shield is encircled by a belt inscribed with the motto, “United we stand, divided we fall,” which indicates Missouri’s advantage as a member of the United States. The two grizzlies on either side of the shield symbolize the state’s strength and its citizens’ bravery. The bears stand atop a scroll bearing the state motto, “Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto,” which means, “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.” Below this scroll are the Roman numerals for 1820, the year Missouri began its functions as a state.

The helmet above the shield represents state sovereignty, and the large star atop the helmet surrounded by 23 smaller stars signified Missouri’s status as the 24th state. The cloud around the large star indicates the problems Missouri had in becoming a state. The whole state seal is enclosed by a scroll bearing the words, “The Great Seal of the State of Missouri.” (RSMo.10.060)

You have to admit that our state flag is one of the coolest.

Trivia question: What other state flag features a bear? (Yes, California, but we have two bears–technically three bears–and California only has one.)

So today the Missouri Bicentennial Commemoration and U.S. Naturalization Ceremonies will be livestreamed at missouri2021.org/statehood-day-livestreams.

Also note that Missouri 2021 is encouraging communities across the state to commemorate Statehood Day with an ice cream social, which is a most appropriate way to celebrate Missouri, since the ice cream cone is the official state dessert. In my flyover town the historical society is inviting all members to bring their families to Mudd’s Grove for ice cream and I am planning to go, of course.

The Missouri State Fair is coming up in a few days and I am sorry I won’t be able to attend. However, daughter #1 will and she’ll report back. Gee, I hope she gets to see The Missourians who will be performing on August 21-22.

Let’s all just take a moment. And maybe make a toast to the great state of Missouri.

The following are the toasts raised at the grand dinner and ball in St. Louis celebrating the return of Lewis and Clark on September 23, 1806:

1. The president of the United States—The friend of science, the polar star of discovery, the philosopher and the patriot.
2. The Heads of Department—The pillars that support the world’s best hope.
3. The Missouri expedition—May the knowledge of the newly explored regions of the West, be the least benefit that we may derive from this painful and perilous expedition.
4. The hardy followers of Captains Lewis and Clark—May they be rewarded by the esteem of their fellow citizens.
5. The United States—Whilst they tolerate a spirit of enquiry, may never forget, that united they stand – but divided they fall.
6. The Territory of Louisiana—Freedom without bloodshed, may her actions duly appreciate the blessing.
7. The memory of Christopher Columbus—May those who imitate his hardihood, perseverence [sic] and merit, never have, like him, to encounter public ingratitude.
8. The Federal Constitution—may the Eagle of America convey it to the remotest regions of the globe; and whilst they read they cannot but admire.
9. The memory of the illustrious Washington, the father of America—May his guardian spirit still watch over us, and prove a terror to the engines of despotism.
10. The Capitol of the United States—May the goddess of liberty, never cease to preside there.
11. Peace with all nations; but submission to none.
12. The Commerce of the United States—The basis for the political elevation of America.
13. Agriculture and Industry—The farmer is the best support of government.
14. Our fathers who shed their blood and laid down their lives to purchase our independence—May we emulate their actions, and inherit their virtues.
15. The Missouri—Under the auspices of America, may it prove a vehicle of wealth to all the nations of the world.
16. Our National Council—May the baneful influence of private ambition and political intrigue, be ever expelled thence by the genuine spirit of republicanism.
17. The fair daughters of Louisiana—May they ever bestow their smiles on hardihood and virtuous valor.

18. Captains Lewis and Clark—Their perilous services endear them to every American heart.