Jefferson City Landmarks and Monuments

(Jefferson City, Missouri - MO, USA)

The many historic and imposing landmarks of Jefferson City each have interesting stories to tell, with some of the most important being close to the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site. The city's original State Capitol Building was destroyed by fire in the 1830s, as was the second version in 1911, following a lightning storm.

Today's Missouri State Capitol Building came along in 1917 and is hugely popular with sightseeing tourists. Those taking a guided tour should be sure to keep an eye out for the huge chandelier, which was restored in 2007 at the cost of a hefty US$500,000. There is also a whispering gallery within the dome that may be of interest, along with a viewing platform offering excellent cityscape panoramas.

Just across from the Capitol is the Missouri State Supreme Court Building, which stands on West High Street. The Supreme Court came into being in the year 1820, just one year before the state of Missouri was officially created. In 1877, a large building for the court was constructed on the eastern side of Jefferson City's Capitol Building, while in 1905, a percentage of the proceeds raised from the St. Louis World Fair in 1904 was allocated and the present-day Court Building was built soon after, being completed in October of 1907.

Missouri State Capitol Building

Address: 201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Missouri (MO), 65101, USA
Tel: +1 573 751 2854
Missouri's sixth State Capitol (Jefferson City's third) is without question the premier landmark in Jefferson City and was built when the previous incarnation was destroyed by fire. The city relished the opportunity to build a larger and more imposing version of this building, since the previous State House was generally considered to be too small and quite inadequate. A budget of US$3.5 million was set aside and building work soon commenced. However, due to a clerical error, the state accidentally collected over US$700,000 more than expected and so all of this extra money was used to ensure that this perfectly symmetrical Capitol was finished to the very highest standards, with sculptures and other art works of exceptional quality. The centrally located dome rises to more than 70 meters / 230 feet in height and is crowned by a bronze statue of Roman goddess Ceres.
Open hours: guided tours, Monday to Saturday - 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00, Sunday - 10:00, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:00
Admission: free

Missouri State Supreme Court Building

Address: 207 West High Street, Jefferson City, Missouri (MO), 65101, USA
Tel: +1 573 751 4144
The elegant French-Renaissance architecture is a major feature of this local landmark, with the front facade featuring ornate stone pillars, while inside, the enormous marble staircase is hard to overlook. Guided tours of the Missouri State Supreme Court Building run during the week and take approximately 30 minutes, taking visitors through the library, where glass floors were originally installed to allow natural light to illuminate the main floor below.
Open hours: guided tours, Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 16:00, on the half-hour
Admission: free

Missouri Governor's Mansion

Address: 100 Madison Street, Jefferson City, Missouri (MO), 65101, USA
Tel: +1 573 751 4141
The Missouri Governor's Mansion is a grand landmark built in the early 1870s, adopting simple Second-Empire / Neo-Renaissance architecture. Boasting impressive views of the nearby Missouri River, the mansion joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and is known for its pink granite columns, which frame the entrance and support a balcony. More than 60,000 visitors step inside each year, coming to admire the elaborate interior, complete with its walnut Grand Staircase and numerous portraits. For something a little different, consider joining one of the Candlelight Tours in December.
Open hours: guided tours (reserve in advance), January and February, June to November, Tuesday and Thursday - 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00; March to May, Tuesday to Thursday - 10:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 15:00
Admission: free

Lincoln University / Soldier's Memorial Plaza

Address: 820 Chestnut Street, Jefferson City, Missouri (MO), 65101, USA
Tel: +1 573 681 5599
Located within the campus of the University of Lincoln is the rather poignant Soldier's Memorial Plaza. This monument remembers the significant casualties of the American Civil War (1861 to 1865) and in particular, those from the 62nd and 65th Colored Infantries (made up of soldiers mainly from Missouri) who were responsible for actually founding the university itself in 1866. This educational institution was originally established solely to provide education for African Americans, while in the 1950s, students of all races were accepted. More than 3,000 students now attend, the majority of which are undergraduates.
Open hours: guided tours, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 10:00 and 14:00
Admission: free

Lewis and Clark Trail Monument

Address: 100 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, Missouri (MO), 65101, USA
Tel: +1 573 634 6482
Standing on the corner of Jefferson Street and Capitol Avenue is the Lewis and Clark Trail Monument at the Katy Trailhead Plaza. Enjoying a stately backdrop provided by the Capitol, this plaza remembers the significance of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804, which saw these famous explorers crossing the western region of the United States, starting from St. Louis. Various bronze statues depict the explorers and their team, such as Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark, as well as York the African American slave / servant, George Druillard the hunter / interpreter and Seaman the dog. Also look out for their belongings, such as guns, a journal and a telescope. Water features and well-placed benches add to the overall appeal.
Open hours: mid-May to mid-September, Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Veteran's Plaza

Address: 401 Monroe Street, Jefferson City, Missouri (MO), 65101, USA
Tel: +1 573 634 6320
This plaza is home to the Korean and Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, which was dedicated here on July 4th (Independence Day) 1983. Funded by both private donations and the Jefferson City Veterans Council, the monument pays tribute to those from Missouri who lost their lives in the conflicts of Korea (1950 to 1953) and Vietnam (1955 to 1975). In 2006, the entire memorial was relocated to this more prominent spot on Monroe Street and now incorporates a 'Walk of Honor'.
Open hours: guided tours, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - 10:00 and 14:00
Admission: free