Jefferson City, MO Summary

photo by gusto

Missouri’s capital city (population 35,500) was named after the president who signed the Louisiana Purchase, which brought this land under United States control.

Thanks to its location on the banks of the Missouri River in the middle of the state, Jefferson City also thrived as a river trading port in the 1800s. Jefferson Landing State Historic Site features three buildings that stood at the center of this trade. One of them, the 1839 Lohman Building, has a small museum about the landing site and Jefferson City’s history.

The Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce has information about walking tours of the city’s historic attractions.

The original State Capitol burned down in 1837; its replacement was also destroyed by fire.

The current State Capitol was built in 1918 of Carthage stone and overlooks the Missouri River. Its interior is graced by paintings by such notable artists as Thomas Hart Benton and N.C. Wyeth. Also within the building is the State Museum, which has exhibits on Missouri’s ecological and cultural heritage.

The Runge Conservation Nature Center has exhibits and nature trails that showcase a variety of Missouri habitats, from wetlands to prairies and caves. Native fish can also be viewed in its 2,400- gallon aquarium.

Jefferson City is serviced by the nearby Columbia Regional Airport. It can also be reached by bus or train.