Ilasco

Historical marker location:

Ilasco, Missouri

( Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 79 and Ilasco Drive, on the right when traveling north on State Highway 79.)

Marker installed: 1999

An American Melting Pot.

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."