Jefferson City is the capital of Missouri. Originally, the governmental seat was in St. Charles, near St. Louis. Competition existed in the state between the eastern and western part of the state. Jefferson City became the capital as a compromise between factions of politicians. Jefferson City was named for Thomas Jefferson, who initiated the Louisiana Purchase. Missouri was part of this purchase.Explorers of the region include Lewis and Clark and Daniel Boone as well as French and Spanish explorers. Daniel Morgan Boone, the son of the explorer, laid out the plans for the city after it was decided to establish the capital of Missouri in this area. Jefferson City was incorporated in 1839 with a population of less than 1200 people.During ancient times, the region was inhabited by the Mound People. Their city was characterized by mounds, which are believed to have been pyramids. The Mound People disappeared for an unknown reason. At the times Europeans were settling the area, Osage Indians were indigenous to the region.
The city sits on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River in a very beautiful setting. The capital building was modeled after the United States Capital Building, with the domed peak visible in all directions from the outskirts of the city. The capital contains murals design by Thomas Hart Benton. The governor's mansion is very close to the capital building, only separated by a garden.Today the city boasts several colleges, including Lincoln University, which was established by soldiers of the 62nd and 65th African American infantry. Information about Lincoln University and other colleges can be found in Jefferson City, MO yellow pages and Jefferson City, MO business directory. Jefferson City is a short drive from Columbia, Missouri, which is the home of the University of Missouri.There are a number of shopping areas in Jefferson City, including Capital Mall, which has a wide variety of shops and restaurants to enjoy. Visitors are welcome to the quaint shops on the Eastside, which contain eclectic items, including antiques, a variety of clocks and an assortment of ceramic animals. The spring and fall are great times to visit Jefferson City because of the beautiful trees and gentle rolling hills surrounding the area.
Written by Lyndsey Morgan
