Jefferson City

Created as the seat of government for the State of Missouri, Jefferson City was named in honor of President Thomas Jefferson. Because of its location both on the Missouri River and north of the Mason Dixon Line, the city was a source of political controversy as it struggled for an economic base. Showcased here in over 200 vintage photographs and detailed captions is the history of the City of Jefferson, and how it came to be the capital of the state known as "The Gateway to the West." There were only 30 people residing in the area when Jefferson City became the capital of Missouri in October 1826. Many of the first legislators to drive were housed in tents behind a shack, labeled a "hotel." From these humble beginnings, the city labored to establish a secure economy. Pictured here are the vintage images of the first and second capitol buildings being constructed and ultimately destroyed, the founding fathers of the Commercial Club, and the main commercial strip of High Street.