Historical Marker

Varied Industries Building

Historical marker location:
2503 West 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri

1903. Architects: Thomas Bast • Contractors: Heckert & Ricketts, John Colaflower & Dean Brothers.

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."