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Missouri: a History of Intrigue and Patriotism

When Thomas Jefferson first went shopping for Missouri land for sale, he never dreamed that he'd get such a great deal on it when he made the Louisiana Purchase. In so doing, he not only got an incredible real estate deal, but also aqcuired the New Orleans Port, taking control of it entirely away from France and removing any possibility that it could be blocked by a foreign power as leverage against the new and growing United States.

Napolean Bonaparte, for his part, felt justified in making the deal as he felt it would strengthen America and thereby provide England, a longtime enemy of France, a new power to contend with.

Missouri's Influence on the Rest of America

Missouri is considered a bellwether on many subjects, the most popular of which is in their choice for U.S. President. Missouri has successful chosen the U.S. President in every election since 1904, save for 1956 when they voted against Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Some economists even look to Missouri for economic trends, including unemployment and consumer confidence, as an indication of what is to come for the rest of the nation.

The reasons for Missouri's uncanny ability to predict the future of the nation has many theories. However, one of the most logical explanations comes from the Chicago Tribune which once stated that Missouri's diversity mirrors the demographic of the nation as a whole.

Additionally, the state sits right in the physical middle of the nation, surrounded by a diverse set of states: three Southern states, three Plain states, and two Midwestern states.

The Civil War Splits Missouri's Personality

Issues over slavery and the state's participation in the Civil War are an excellent example of Missouri's diverse population.

Early in its history, there was much conflict over the issue of slavery in Missouri. By the time the Civil War erupted, Missouri was split in their support. Although the Missouri legislature voted to remain in the Union, pro-Southern Governor Claiborne ordered the state's militia into training.

Both officers and enlisted men from Missouri served on both sides of the conflict with the star of Missouri flying on both the Union and Confederate flags, and even had government representing the state for both sides. Battles occurred all over the state.

Toward the end of the war, most of the fighting in Missouri consisted of guerilla tactics. Jesse James, along with older brother Frank, were among the most famous of the Confederacy's guerilla fighters. After the war, the James gang continued fighting what they viewed to be an unjust federal government.

While Missouri land for sale may have been cheap in its initial acquisition, the same cannot be said for its history.

About the Author

Remax Missouri (http://www.remax-missouri.com) specializes in offering Missouri land for sale as well homes and other real estate throughout Missouri. The author, Art Gib, is a freelance writer.

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