You do know by now how much I love road trips, RIGHT? I am still waiting on some of y’all to comment on my previous article found here https://embracesouthernstates.com/nature-in-missouri/ … in the meantime let’s take a look at just a few “of murals & men, in Missouri” . This includes just a tiny fraction of the many inspiring historical figures, and amazing folks who are actively doing positive things there today.
Are you comfortable and ready to explore? Okay, we are fixin’ to have a bunch of fun! So grab a glass of sweet tea and come along with me!
George Washington Carver
The George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri, is full, free, and fascinating! It is open from 9am until 5pm every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. You will learn new facts about this remarkable and resilient man.
While touring this first National Park to honor an African-American, you will enjoy monuments, photos, murals, multimedia, as well as the pleasure of exploring the 240-acre site at your own pace. I can pretty much guarantee that you will gain a deeper admiration of the plant lover who overcame many hardships to become a respected humanitarian, man of faith, scientist, and teacher.
Ampersand Sculpture
This eight foot tall ampersand (symbol for “and”) gives a nod to history and is located at 3434 S. Rangeline Road in Joplin.
When you study it up close and personal, you will see info on art, music, mining, and landmarks along Route 66. Also noted is the duo Bonnie & Clyde who hid out in a local building near 34th Street & Oak Ridge Drive. Dang, y’all, this is pretty cool.
Quilt Town, USA
Quilters already know that Hamilton is the town for every shop, gadget, and fabric that any quilt maker could ever need.
Others may know that it was the birthplace of left fielder Zack Wheat who was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1959.
Still others may be aware that J. C. Penney was born on a farm just outside of Hamilton. He later became famous for founding a department store that bears his name.
Who Invented Sliced Bread?
The small town of Chillicothe, Missouri ,celebrates being the home of sliced bread and the unofficial holiday “Sliced Bread Day” is July 7th. Next time you reach for sliced bread to pop into your toaster, be sure to thank Otto Rohwedder and Frank Bench! Their names may not be familiar, but what they accomplished certainly is!
When you get to view this inspiring mural in person, you will probably agree that it is one of the greatest things since sliced bread!
Two Civil War Historical Sites
On the western edge of Missouri is a small town named Republic, where you can visit Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. This site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River has lots of educational information that includes exhibits, books, and a film. Two cannons rest on the hillside just outside the visitor center and museum.
About a three and a half hour drive to the eastern edge of the state will bring you to the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site just south of St. Louis. There you can watch a film, take a tour, or browse through the museum.
More Than Just A Library
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library first opened its door in 1957 and continues to expand and impress to this day. Here you can spend hours exploring the various sections, enjoying multimedia presentations, and viewing the murals and other artwork.
Inside you can find a replica of the Oval Office or browse through the Museum Store (gift shop). Outside you can walk around the courtyard to view a freedom flame and the final resting place of Truman, his wife, and their daughter. Dang, y’all, this place rocks!
Of Mice & Men & Marceline
Whenever you think of Disney, do you first think of the man (Walt) or the mouse (Mickey) or the theme parks? After visiting the Walt Disney Hometown Museum, you may just change your answer to “Marceline, Missouri”! This place is awesome!
Whether you are age three or ninety-three, your experience in Marceline will stay in your heart. As a baby boomer, I was reminded of both Davy Crockett and the Mickey Mouse Club. And, yes, I can remember all the words to both theme songs! Oh, you can also buy t-shirts with the quotes mentioned in the above photo.
Meet a Ranger in Van Buren
Shaun Heise grew up in Missouri and has worked for the National Park Service for eight years. His official title is Lower Current District Interpretive Ranger. Shaun loves sharing facts about the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which includes Big Spring and Alley Spring.
Shaun says these waters are always cool, have existed since prehistoric times, and are fascinating from a geological perspective. He is one friendly ranger who is eager to pass along knowledge about Missouri and the Ozark culture. I sure hope you get to meet him soon.
Meet A Riverboat Captain
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to take a short cruise on the Mississippi River? A great way to achieve that goal is to climb aboard the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal, Missouri, and meet Captain Steve.
He shares great info about life on the river both now and in the past. His wife Sandy works in the gift shop and his sister is often found working the galley. Captain Steve is a well-known local celebrity in Hannibal and a walking encyclopedia of deep details and riverboat realities.
Meet This Wonderful Waiter
When you are ready to wet your whistle with homemade root beer, go to the Mark Twain Dinette in Hannibal. Be sure to ask for Bobby as your server. He is one of the kindest and most helpful people in town. Bobby listens closely to his customers, then takes time to thoughtfully answer even their strangest questions.
I love to ask folks what travel destinations are on their bucket list. Bobby said New Zealand tops his list. For great conversation, just ask how he feels about the St. Louis Cardinals! I am so thrilled to have met Bobby on my travels, because he really touched my heart.
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Now that you’ve seen the photos of murals and men in Missouri…and a tiny bit about each story, PLEASE take a minute to tell me which impressed YOU the most. Remember that leaving a COMMENT here makes it easier for me to keep giving YOU more people, places, and photos to help plan your travels!
Here are links for more info: (1.) https://www.nps.gov/places/george-washington-carver-national-monument.htm (2.) https://www.visitjoplinmo.com/ (3.)https://visithamiltonmo.com/ (4.) https://visitchillicothe.com/ (5a.) https://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm (5b.) https://www.nps.gov/ulsg/index.htm (6.) https://www.trumanlibrary.gov/ (7.)https://www.waltdisneymuseum.org/ (8.)https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm (9.)https://marktwainriverboat.com/ (10.)https://www.marktwaindinette.com/
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Let me know if you need ANY help planning your next Southern road trip…I would love to negotiate with you as you embrace the best trip ever!
Really fascinating article, Angela! I’ve done this drive more than a dozen times, and you’ve given me many reasons for adding another to my tally!
My goal is always to help others embrace more road trips! Hope you enjoy another one soon.
It was such a pleasure being your travel companion during this adventure. The work you did to make it possible was exceedingly valuable. Now I can relive it by enjoying your amazing way with words! I need to arrange little day trips here that I can do on my days off! You inspire me!
So glad you enjoyed the pleasant adventure and allowed me to inspire your travels. I may ask you to write an “official recommendation” at some point. You are my exuberant proponent!