State Capitols – Jefferson City, Missouri - Outside

Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City (10 June 2008)

Constructed: 1913-1917

Architect: Tracy & Swartwout

State Admitted to Union: August 10, 1821 (24th)

State Population (2010): 5,988,927 (18th)

We interrupt our sojourn through northern Italy to post another state house story. I suppose I could wait for better news to present the 14th capitol in our series but scandals that involve our public servants are just too juicy to ignore.

Recently, the new, young governor of the Great State of Missour-uh found himself in a pickle. Eric Greitens, a former Navy SEAL, was a perfect candidate for the ‘Support-Our-Troops, Law & Order, Holier-than-Thou' Republicans…until he wasn’t. It was just regular sex - but not with his wife. “There was no blackmail. There was no violence” …until there was.

The crime is getting caught. Funny how the more one goes toward the extreme ends of the political spectrum, the less certain things seem to matter…like morals and ethics.

Missouri Capitol, Jefferson City (10 June 2008)

Enough ranting. I visited Jefferson City, during a magnificent road trip in 2008. The State Capitol Odyssey began when I had to schlep to the middle of the continent and complete the Dead Presidents Quest. So, on the way to Kansas (Ike) and then Texas (LBJ), there were all these grand state houses to visit.

In this age of GPS, finding a destination is no big deal anymore but I go back to the age of maps and road names. Sometimes, places were not easy to find. The neat thing about finding state capitals is the ample signage that directs you there from all sides of town. Then there are smaller places like Jefferson City where you can see the dome from miles away and directions are no longer necessary.

Statue of Who Else?

Missouri Capitol, Jefferson City (10 June 2008)

Completed in 1917, this is the third capitol building in Jefferson City. The first two were destroyed by fire in 1837 and 1911. Only nine years after the Louisiana Purchase, the Missouri Territory was created (1812) and nine years later, it became our 24th state. The first capital was in St. Charles. In those days, the action (and the population) was on the busy Mississippi River.

As the state grew, a more central location for government was preferred. Jefferson City is named for our third president and the man who acquired this territory from France in 1803. Fortunately, the current town name won out over ‘Missouriopolis.’

Missouri River Statue, State Capitol, Jefferson City (10 June 2008)

Two large statues flank the broad stairway on the south side of the capitol. Each represents the large rivers that are integral parts of the state. They are adorned with objects that remind us of the bounties that come from the land and water. A male figure on the opposite side represents the Mississippi River.

As you can see, this was a bright, sunny day with the sun high in the sky…usually not recommended for many photographic subjects. However, the monochrome scene and contrasting accents can still create a pleasing image.

Signing of the Louisiana Purchase Agreement

behind the Fountain of the Centaurs, 

Missouri State Capitol, Jefferson City (10 June 2008)

On the north capitol grounds is the Fountain of the Centaurs. Behind the fountain, on a bluff overlooking the Missouri River, is a high relief bronze depiction of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. Both were dedicated in 1927. Or, if viewed together here, I might caption it ‘Judging the Winning entry in the Annual Missouri River Catfish Noodling Rodeo. Billy Bob Broadbutt displays his winning catch.’ Probably not.

The inside of the state house is too beautiful and interesting to make this a one-post story. When the Italy trip is done, we’ll return to Missouri for an appreciation of its magnificent interior.