Tornado Statistics - May 22, 2011 - Joplin, MO

Historical marker location:

Cunningham Park, Joplin, Missouri

( Marker is on Maiden Lane north of 26th Street/Gabby Street Boulevard, on the right when traveling north.)

The "Show-Me State" is Missouri's official nickname and is believed to have originated from a speech given by Congressman Willard Duncan Vandiver in 1899. He said, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I am from Missouri. You have got to show me."