Flower - Hawthorne Song - Missouri Waltz Nickname - Show Me State Tree - Dogwood Bird - Bluebird Settlement of the Missouri region began in 1735 with the founding of St. Genevieve followed in 1764 by St. Louis. When the original petitions for statehood of the Missouri territory were being distributed in 1817 there were only six territorial counties. Now 114 counties plus the city of St. Louis populate the state. In February 1820 a bill for statehood was signed and in September of that year a constitution was adopted. It was not until August 10, 1821 that Missouri was finally admitted into the Union as it's 34th state. In 1826 the capital was moved from it's temporary site in the city of St. Charles where Alexander McNair served as the first govenor to Jefferson City. Some of the more prominent citizens of Missouri's past include: Samuel Clemens (1835-1910) Born in Florida, MO and grew up in Hannibal. Daniel Boone (1734-1820) In 1799 he moved to an area near present day St. Louis where he resided until his death. Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) Though born in Ohio, Grant lived in Missouri longer than any other state and his home in St. Louis County still stands. Ernest Hemmingway (1899-1961) Hemmingway's first writing job was as a reporter for the Kansas City Star and it was here he finished "A Farewell to Arms". Harry Truman (1884-1972) 33rd President of the United States. His home on Delaware St. in Independence stands just as he lived in it. First American Title Insurance through a series of acquisitions and agents became a major business presence in the state in the 1970's. We have direct operations in our Greater St. Louis and Kansas City, MO Service Centers, as well as Land Title Service Center of St. Louis. With a large network of agents throughout the state First American is the largest title insurer in Missouri.

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