This just in. Missouri mules are stubborn. How stubborn are they? Just ask any serviceman or woman who had to deal with them during World War 2 when the US Army drafted them into service.

Get our free mobile app

I found this brand new video share of newsreel footage of the moment Missouri mules were offloaded from trains with the intention of "training them" for US Army service. If you've ever had the joy of "training" a Missouri mule, you can feel for the struggle these soldiers had. NOTE: make sure your sound is turned up for that awesome typical 1940's announcer with music.

I've heard farmers describe Missouri mules as "1,300 pounds of stubborn" and that sounds about right. I have yet to see one of these animals do anything that they didn't think was their idea first. However, the US Army has pros that knew how to coax these mules into solid contributors to the war effort back in those days.

The US government archives tell the story of how these mules (once they were "trained") would end up providing vital assistance to our troops. They say "Mules, trained in the United States and shipped by the thousands into war zones, contributed their strength and sweat to the fight. Their backs bore the food, weapons, and sometimes the men of entire infantry units."

That's one of the many reasons why the Missouri mule is the official state animal. There is no other animal that better exemplifies the determination (and stubbornness) of Missouri residents.

What Remains Inside of an Abandoned 1876 Missouri Mansion