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What is the significance of the phrase "written on the back of our first car" in the context of 1920s Missouri history?

In the 1920s, Missouri saw a 500% increase in car ownership, leading to widespread exploration throughout the state.

The "written on the back of our first car" phenomenon was a unique way for Missourians to document their new mobility and express themselves.

Simple greetings, addresses, and heartfelt messages were commonly inscribed on the back of cars, offering a glimpse into the lives of these early automobile owners.

Some inscriptions captured significant milestones, such as marriage, graduation, or personal triumphs, providing valuable insights into the experiences of early automobile owners in Missouri.

Beyond personal messages, Missourians documented their journeys across the state through scenic routes, historical landmarks, and local surroundings.

Pictures often accompanied these written records, with captions adding context and personal anecdotes to the stories.

The 1920s saw a remarkable growth in enrollment, facilities, student programs, academic departments, professional schools, and athletics at the University of Missouri.

On August 31, 1920, Marie Byrum became the first woman to vote in Missouri history during a special election for Hannibal City Council.

Harriett Hampton, who voted later that day, was probably the first Black woman to vote in Missouri.

The 1920s Champ Clark bridge, which spanned the Mississippi River, had a unique crook in its design due to the need to move one of the foundation piers during construction.

In 1913, the Missouri General Assembly replaced the State Highway Engineer with a State Highway Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner and created the Missouri State Highway Department.

By 1920, the number of vehicles in Missouri had more than doubled to over 38,000, prompting the creation of the State Highway Department.

The automobile had a profound psychological impact on individual Americans and the nation as a whole, changing the way people lived, worked, and interacted with each other.

The automobile's influence accelerated in the 1920s, with car ownership becoming a status symbol and a key driver of economic growth.

The America on the Move exhibition at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., explores how transportation, including the automobile, has shaped American identity from 1876 to 1999.

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