Meaning: The quote "The Free State men, myself among them, took it for granted that Missouri was a slave state" is attributed to Buffalo Bill, the famous American scout, bison hunter, and showman. This quote reflects the historical context of the mid-19th century when the United States was deeply divided over the issue of slavery. Missouri, as a border state, was a focal point of the debate and tensions surrounding the institution of slavery. Understanding the significance of this quote requires exploring the historical background of Missouri in relation to the broader dynamics of the pre-Civil War era in the United States.

During the mid-19th century, the United States was sharply divided between the free states that opposed slavery and the slave states that supported the institution. Missouri occupied a unique position as a border state, situated between the North and the South. The question of whether Missouri would enter the Union as a free state or a slave state became a crucial issue in the national debate over the expansion of slavery into new territories.

In 1820, the Missouri Compromise was enacted to address the issue of slavery in the western territories. The compromise admitted Missouri as a slave state while Maine entered as a free state, maintaining the balance of power between the North and the South in the U.S. Senate. Additionally, the compromise prohibited slavery north of the 36°30' parallel within the Louisiana Purchase territory, with the exception of Missouri. This arrangement aimed to ease tensions between the free and slave states, but it ultimately proved to be a temporary solution.

Buffalo Bill's quote reflects the prevailing assumptions and attitudes of the time. The term "Free State men" refers to individuals who were affiliated with the free states and opposed the expansion of slavery. By stating that they "took it for granted that Missouri was a slave state," Buffalo Bill acknowledges the widely held belief that Missouri was aligned with the institution of slavery. This assumption was rooted in the political and social realities of the era, as Missouri's status as a slave state had significant implications for the balance of power in Congress and the westward expansion of slavery.

The quote also reveals the entrenched divisions and prejudices that characterized the antebellum period. The North-South divide over the issue of slavery was not merely a matter of political disagreement but also a deeply entrenched moral and cultural conflict. Buffalo Bill's statement encapsulates the prevailing mindset among those who identified with the free states, illustrating the pervasive influence of regional loyalties and the contentious nature of the slavery debate.

In conclusion, Buffalo Bill's quote encapsulates the assumptions and perceptions of the mid-19th century regarding the status of Missouri as a slave state. By examining the historical context of the quote, we gain insight into the complex dynamics of the pre-Civil War era and the deep-seated divisions that ultimately led to the outbreak of the Civil War. Understanding the significance of this quote provides a window into the attitudes and beliefs that shaped the tumultuous period leading up to the defining conflict in American history.