Living in Missouri means constantly discovering hidden gem attractions, little-known restaurants, picturesque hikes, and tidbits of history. Even if we’re tried-and-true history buffs, we’re probably still surprised, at least from time to time, at little nuggets of trivia we’ve never heard before. How many of these trivia facts about Missouri, for example, did you already know?

1. Kansas City has more boulevards than any other city in the United States.

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Sometimes called “Paris of the Plains,” Kansas City was designed to have so many boulevards that it rivaled Paris, and it does. Paris is said to be the only city in the world with more boulevards than Kansas City.

2. Kansas City has the most fountains in the United States.

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Known as the “City of Fountains,” Kansas City has more than 200 of them. The only city in the world believed to have more is Rome, Italy.

3. Missouri Botanic Garden is one of the oldest in the United States.

Google/Andy Simpson
Most of us have likely been to – or at least heard of – Missouri Botanic Garden, but did you know it’s one of the oldest in the United States? It dates back to 1859.

4. Chillicothe is the Home Of Sliced Bread.

Google/Lisa Sills
If you’ve ever visited or driven through Chillicothe, you know this charming small town celebrates its place in history as the Home of Sliced Bread. Invented by Otto Rohwedder, sliced bread made its debut in Chillicothe in 1928.

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5. Missouri is home to the U.S.’s first journalism school.

Google/Missouri School of Journalism
The University of Missouri’s School of Journalism was founded in 1908. Walter Williams is credited with starting the first journalism school in the United States and, according to the University of Missouri, the world.

6. Missouri is the leading lead producer in the United States.

Missouri State Parks
Much of the lead mined in Missouri is used for vehicle batteries. Did you know that Missouri is also the top producer of lime, which is used to manufacture steel, in the U.S.?

7. The first successful parachute jump took place in Missouri.

Wikipedia/Public Domain
Albert Berry, an Army Captain, parachuted out of an airplane in St. Louis on March 1, 1912.

8. The Gateway Arch is the tallest monument in the country.

Google/Mid South Weather
Most Missourians have been to the Arch, but did you know it’s the tallest monument in the U.S., standing 630 feet tall? It’s even taller – by 75 feet, to be exact – than the Washington Monument.

How many of these trivia facts about Missouri did you already know? Are there any unique Missouri trivia facts you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments! Then check out the surefire signs that you have strong roots in Missouri. You can even show your pride by stocking up on Wear Your Roots gear.

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