Was Missouri once called missoura

Answer 1

It still is called Missoura by people who say it that way. There are many residents who refrain from using e at the end of the word. Parade Magazine did an article on it one time because there was contradiction on which was the proper pronunciation of the State name. Missouree or Missoura The article declared both ways correct, depending on what dialect you choose to use.

I am from Missoura, always have been. I am 65 years old. I was raised in the Bootheel of Missoura. A lot of people try to correct my language regarding MO. My Son in Utah saw a TV reporter during a broadcast appeal to his Mother back in Missoura with a firm commitment to say it correctly for her benefit by explaining to the viewing audience his need to use ah instead of ee, so his Mother would not correct him, but be proud to say on TV what some consider wrong. Good Son.

Over the years I've had grand kids come home from school with their teacher telling them I am wrong for saying Missoura.

I always use this a a 'got-ya!' Colonel........where is the R. Missoura is OK after that, at least for me.