Missouri Territory facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Territory of Missouri
Organized incorporated territory of the United States
1812–1821
Flag of the United States
A map of the Territory of Missouri in 1812
Capital	St. Louis
• Type	Organized incorporated territory
History
• Renaming of Louisiana Territory	4 June 1812
• Territory of Arkansas created	March 2
• Missouri statehood	10 August 1821
Preceded by Succeeded by Louisiana Territory Territory of Arkansas Missouri Unorganized territory

The Territory of Missouri was a large area of land in the central United States. It was an official territory of the U.S. government. This territory existed from June 4, 1812, until August 10, 1821.

The capital city of the Missouri Territory was St. Louis.

How the Territory Started

The Territory of Missouri was created from what was previously known as the Louisiana Territory. This change happened on June 4, 1812. The Louisiana Territory was a huge area. It was bought by the United States from France in 1803.

Changes Over Time

The size of the Missouri Territory changed a few times:

• In 1819, a part of its southern area was separated. This new area became the Arkansas Territory.
• On August 10, 1821, a southeastern part of the territory officially joined the Union. This part became the State of Missouri.
• The remaining land of the former Missouri Territory did not become a state right away. It was known as "unorganized territory" for several years. This meant it did not have an official government structure like a territory or state.

Images for kids

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  Missouri Territory, formerly Louisiana, 1814 map

See also

In Spanish: Territorio de Misuri para niños