Located in Jefferson City, Mo., the Missouri State Capitol building is a wonderful visit for those interested in state history and civics. From the Park University Parkville, Mo., campus, the capitol is approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive, mainly along I-70.
The Capitol building in Jefferson City is the fourth capitol Missouri has had. The first was located in St. Charles, Mo., from 1821 to 1826. It was a two story brick building where the Missouri legislators would meet on the second story for session. The constitution for Missouri stipulated that a Capitol City would have to be located on the Missouri River with 40 miles of the Osage River. The City of Jefferson, named after Thomas Jefferson, was established in 1821 by Daniel Morgan Boone, although it took several years to build the city.
By 1827, the second Capitol was built, but it was burned down in 1837 by a fire. Three years later, the third Capitol was erected on the site of the current one. It too was destroyed by fire when it was struck by lightning in 1911. The current building was completed in 1918. It is 10 times larger than the previous Capitol and built of white crystalline limestone from Carthage, Mo.
Before one enters the Capitol building, it is worthwhile exploring the immediate surroundings. There are several sites around the building, including the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial, Missouri Veterans Memorial and Lewis and Clark Monument. There are many statues around to look at as well.
Inside the Capitol there are several exhibits to peruse, and one can sign up for a guided tour of the building. The exhibits include the History Hall, the long-term exhibit “Foundations: Building Missouri’s Government,” the Missouri Veterans Gallery, and the Resources Hall. The History Hall contains exhibits about Missouri’s cultural heritage, although it was somewhat lacking. The “Foundations” exhibit was an elementary explanation of Missouri’s government and Federalism. The Missouri Veterans Gallery was essentially just a big, metal replica of the USS Missouri (BB-63) with an informational plaque about ship’s history. The Resources Hall had a couple of interesting exhibits, including a natural history portion, Native American history and famous Missourians. The display of Governor’s portraits is currently being renovated.
Tiffany Patterson, the director of the Missouri State Museum and Jefferson Landing State Historical Site, who gives her time on the weekends to give tours, said, “I enjoy the people. I like to know where they’re from.” She said she has a “real love” of history and museums. Her tours are filled with detail and genuine interest in public history that she tries to impart on the tourists.
The tour of the Capitol covers three floors. First the guide shows visitors several lunettes, half-moon shaped paintings, that depict the varied environments of Missouri. Many of these include optical illusions.
On the third floor of the building, the guide presents the House Lounge which contains a room sized mural painted by Thomas Hart Benton. Titled, “A Social History of the State of Missouri,” the mural is an artistic rendering Missouri’s history from the early frontier’s days to the Great Depression. The painting mural was completed in 1936.
Finally, the tour ends with a visit to the House Chambers via the Visitor’s Gallery. The room contains stained glass windows and a mural titled, “The Glory of Missouri at War.” The mural was painted in France by French artist and World War I veteran Charles Hoffbauer. The mural depicts Missourians fighting in World War I on the fields of France.
