Jefferson City, MO
Capital of Missouri
Known as “Jeff City”
Overview
Jefferson City is the capital city of Missouri, located in the Midwest region of the United States. Founded in 1821, the city has grown to a population of approximately 43,228 residents within a state of 6,154,913 people. As the seat of Missouri's state government, Jefferson City serves as the political and administrative center of the state.
The city is home to the Missouri State Capitol, a Renaissance Revival structure that has been a landmark since its completion in 1917. Designed by Tracy and Swartwout, the capitol building stands as a testament to the state's history and governance, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world.
Jefferson City has served as the capital of Missouri since 1826. Before Jefferson City, the state's capital was located in St. Charles.
Missouri State Capitol
The Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City sits on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River and was built to replace the previous capitol destroyed by a lightning-strike fire in 1911. The building features a dome inspired by St. Peter's Basilica and an interior adorned with murals by Thomas Hart Benton and N.C. Wyeth, among others. It is considered one of the most beautiful state capitols in the nation.
Renaissance Revival style
Notable Features
- Thomas Hart Benton mural 'A Social History of Missouri' in the House Lounge
- N.C. Wyeth murals in the governor's office
- Dome modeled after St. Peter's Basilica
- Bronze doors depicting Missouri history
- Ceres statue atop the dome representing agriculture
- Overlooks the Missouri River from a scenic bluff
Media Gallery
Original footage coming soon! User-submitted photos welcome.
Fun Facts & Trivia
- ★The Missouri State Capitol houses a famous Thomas Hart Benton mural titled 'A Social History of Missouri,' painted in 1936.
- ★The previous capitol was destroyed in 1911 when lightning struck the dome, causing a devastating fire.
- ★Jefferson City was named after Thomas Jefferson, who authorized the Louisiana Purchase that brought Missouri into American territory.
- ★The Capitol was completed for approximately $4.5 million, an extraordinary value for such an ornate building.
- ★Missouri is known as the 'Gateway to the West,' and the capitol's art reflects the state's role in westward expansion.
- ★The building contains artwork by multiple renowned American artists, making it essentially an art museum as well as a working capitol.