The question "When did Missouri become the tiger?" is a bit of a misnomer. Missouri doesn't have an official state tiger. The state animal is the Missouri mule. However, the term "tiger" is often associated with Missouri in the context of its athletic teams, particularly the University of Missouri. Let's unravel the story behind this common misconception and delve into the true origins of Missouri's nickname and symbols.
Understanding Missouri's Nickname: "The Show-Me State"
Before we address the tiger connection, it's crucial to clarify Missouri's official nickname: "The Show-Me State." This moniker stems from a commonly told anecdote about a Missouri congressman, Willard Duncan Vandiver, who in an 1899 speech supposedly declared, "I come from a state that raises corn and cotton, and cockleburs and Democrats, and frothy eloquence neither convinces nor satisfies me. I’m from Missouri, and you’ve got to show me." While the exact wording is debated, the sentiment solidified the "Show-Me State" label, representing Missourians' pragmatic and skeptical nature. This nickname officially became the state motto in 1955.
The University of Missouri and the Tiger Mascot: A Separate Story
The association of Missouri with tigers is primarily due to the University of Missouri's (Mizzou) adoption of the tiger as its mascot. While the exact date is difficult to pinpoint with absolute certainty, the tiger's rise as Mizzou's symbol occurred gradually over time. Early student publications show inconsistent use of various mascots. However, the tiger emerged as a dominant symbol in the early 20th century and gradually solidified its position as the university's primary mascot.
The Evolution of Mizzou's Tiger: From Symbol to Icon
The transition from various early mascots to the tiger wasn't a single event but a process. The early 1900s saw a gradual shift in student publications and campus life towards the tiger, driven by student sentiment and campus traditions. Over several decades, the tiger's imagery became increasingly prominent, and by the mid-20th century, it had become firmly entrenched as Mizzou's mascot. While there's no specific date marking the official adoption, the tiger's presence in Mizzou's athletics and university life cemented its strong association with the state in the public consciousness.
Distinguishing State Symbolism from University Identity
It's important to note the critical distinction between official state symbols and university mascots. The University of Missouri's choice of a tiger as its mascot doesn't automatically translate to Missouri as a whole adopting the tiger as a state symbol. While the tiger is strongly associated with Missouri thanks to Mizzou's prominence, it remains a university symbol, not an official state emblem.
In Conclusion: Show Me the Mule, Not the Tiger!
While the tiger is ubiquitously linked with Missouri due to its role as the University of Missouri's mascot, it's crucial to remember that the state's official animal is the Missouri mule, and its official nickname is "The Show-Me State". The tiger's prominence is a product of the university's branding and cultural impact, not a reflection of an official state declaration. The enduring association underscores the powerful connection between university identity and state pride.
