The State Series came out pretty recent for us. So far we’re up to eleven of the states being released and we thought it might be fun to share some facts about the nation with everyone. So, over the next few days, check back here for a new state fact (or two or three) until we cover all the ones currently immortalized on the knives. Now, since we’re the type of people to root for the home team we’re gonna go ahead and open this up with Missouri!
- Missouri has more walnut than all other states combined. (On a sort of related note, that’s how Shepherd Hills got their start back in the early 70’s, selling walnut bowls made in the Ozarks)
- St. Louis is known as “the gateway to the west” and “the home of blues”
- In 1889 Aunt Jemima Pancake mix was invented in St. Joseph, and was the first ready-mix food to be sold commercially
- Robert Pershing Wadlow of St. Louis is the tallest documented man in medical history, rising a staggering 8 feet 11.1 inches tall.
- Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis, Missouri is the largest beer producing plant in the nation.
- During Abraham Lincoln’s campaign for the presidency, a Democrat named Valentine Tapley from Pike County, Missouri, swore that he would never shave again if Abe were elected. The man kept his word and on his death in 1910, his beard had grown to twelve feet and six inches.
- Be careful! In Natchez, Mo, it’s illegal to give beer to an elephant. Whiskey we’re unsure about, but would probably be at least a slap on the wrist.
- There’s a lot of talent from Missouri; Brad Pitt, Jenna Fischer, Jon Hamm, Dick Van Dyke, even John Goodman were all born or raised here
- It counts because we hosted it: There were a ton of modern day foods and drinks invented at the 1904 World’s Fair, like Dr. Pepper, hot dogs, cotton candy, ice tea, and waffle cones
- Mark Twain, Maya Angelou, T.S. Elliot and Tennessee Williams were all Missouri raised