Swing your partner.  On this date  28 years ago, Gov. Mel Carnahan signed legislation making the square dance the state folk dance of Missouri.

The dance style originated in the Appalachian region of the country. There are currently 31 states that have designated square dancing as their state folk dance.

Do-si-do!

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Photo credit: Ardian Lumi, Unsplash