A Symbol of Missouri

For several years, I spent a lot of time in Jefferson City, Missouri. The Missouri State Capitol quickly became a familiar sight. Driving into the city on Highway 50, the dome always caught my attention. Even at night, the building glows against the skyline. I often joked with my wife about the dome not being copper until I learned more about its history.

What surprised me most is that the current structure is actually Missouri’s third capitol building. Only a few states have had three permanent buildings, Michigan, Minnesota, and Missouri. Pennsylvania holds the record with six.

History of the Missouri State Capitol

The current Missouri State Capitol is the third permanent building in Jefferson City and the sixth overall in the state’s history. The first capitol, built between 1823 and 1826, was destroyed by fire in 1837. A second building, completed in 1840, met the same fate when lightning struck the dome in 1911.

Following a statewide vote, construction of the present capitol began on May 6, 1913. The project finished in 1917, and the building was officially dedicated on October 6, 1924. When reading about its history, I saw this statement on the official Missouri Capitol website:

“Although the new capitol would remain in the same city and on the same site as its predecessor, its designers envisioned something more than what was.”

I am not entirely sure what that meant, but after two fires, I can imagine the architects wanted this one to last.

Design and Architecture

The Missouri State Capitol is Neoclassical in style and sits proudly above the Missouri River. Measuring 437 feet long and 300 feet wide, it occupies nearly three acres. Inside are about 500,000 square feet of space. The structure rests on 285 concrete piers anchored deep into bedrock.

The grand staircase at the front rises 30 feet wide from the portico to the third floor. Massive bronze doors—each 13 by 18 feet—mark the main entrance. Above it all, 260 feet high, stands a bronze statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. She symbolizes Missouri’s strong farming heritage.

The Missouri State Capitol also serves as a living museum. Its art collection tells the story of Missouri through sculptures, murals, and paintings by artists such as Thomas Hart Benton and Sir Frank Brangwyn. Benton’s work inside the House Lounge is one of the most recognizable murals in the state.

Visiting the Capitol

I have visited the Missouri State Capitol several times, both inside the building and for events on the surrounding grounds. The property is well cared for and beautiful throughout the year.

On the Capitol grounds stands the Lewis and Clark Trailhead Plaza. It features a 4,000-pound statue of Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, along with York, George Drouillard, and Seaman, Lewis’s dog. A statue of Thomas Jefferson stands on the south side of the building, honoring the city’s namesake.

Also on the grounds is a replica of the Statue of Liberty, dedicated by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950.

If you liked this post, explore more state capitol buildings I’ve visited or other places I’ve explored in Missouri.

Location

Missouri State Capitol
201 W Capitol Ave,
Jefferson City, MO 65101