Missouri is a Midwestern state in the United States, and is bordered by 8 other states. The area was controlled by the French in the eighteenth century until the United States bought it in the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Its capital is Jefferson City, and its two largest cities are Kansas City and St. Louis. It is known for being part of the development of ragtime, blues, and jazz. Famous Missourians include President Harry Truman, Walt Disney, Mark Twain, Tennessee Williams, Kate Chopin, Langston Hughes, and Scott Joplin.