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October 1 High Street in Jefferson City via Library of Congress

Missouri History Today October 1, 1826: Missouri Moves Capital To Jefferson City

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Missouri History Today September 17, 1866: First College For Freed African Americans Opens For Classes

Pedaler's Jamboree "The Ride Returns"

Ready to beat the heat this summer? Visit Jefferson City to cool down with evening concerts, slippery mud pits and hair-tousling carnival rides!

Large Missouri State Penitentiary

Voted the #1 Thing to Do in Jefferson City and recipient of the 2022 Travelers’ Choice on TripAdvisor, the Missouri State Penitentiary (MSP) is worth exploring in Missouri’s capital city. It was named the “Bloodiest 47 Acres in America” in 1967 by Time magazine and is a beloved treasure to history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. Guests walk through once-overcrowded housing units and the gas chamber where 40 inmates took their final breath. See why a trip to this infamous prison should be on your bucket list!

Celebrity Car Museum Andy Simpson

America’s most trusted man, Scooby’s Mystery Machine, and antique veterinary tools that would send Scooby howling to the hills—you’ll find them at these three Missouri museums. Head here to learn about wonderful and wonderfully weird exhibits.

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Paint, pottery and a scent experience: Find your next art project in Jefferson City!

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Spring is a great time to get outdoors and brush off the winter blues. Hop on your favorite wheeled vehicle and hit the highway to the State Capitol. Follow the route we supplied or make your own way. Be sure and stop and get a bite to eat followed by some great ice cream.

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On February 5, 1911, the second Missouri State Capitol was destroyed by fire. A bolt of lightning hit the dome of the Missouri State Capitol, sparking a fire that tore through the building. Firefighters across mid-Missouri rushed to Jefferson City to try and save the building.

Jan

On January 29, 2014, Rand-McNally named Jefferson City, Missouri, the nation’s most beautiful small town.  

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On January 22, 1829, the Missouri State Library was established in Jefferson City.  

Concert

It’s the season of festive cheer, sparkling lights, gift giving and holiday parties. It’s time to gather your favorite people around to experience all the coziest moments of the most wonderful time of the year. Holiday season has arrived and here in JCMO, we are ready to celebrate.

1 Jeff City Cleanup photo by Kevin Tosie

Missouri River Relief will host a Missouri River Cleanup in Jefferson City on Saturday, October 15!  Join hundreds of like-minded individuals working to make a positive difference on the river, and in their community.

Rotary Park

Fall has finally arrived, and it’s time to plan your next adventure. Whether you’re in the mood for a historical festival, a paddle down the Missouri River, or finding a colossal pumpkin, JCMO has the perfect day in store.

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Summer is upon us, and it’s time to start planning adventures. Whether you’re in the mood for an outdoor concert, a weekend chock full of festivities to celebrate America, or a test of your athleticism, Jefferson City has the perfect event to round out your summer experience.

Traffic sign for U.S. Highway 50 in Missouri. Adobe Stock photo

This date in Missouri history. Planning work began on a road to connect Manchester with Jefferson City by way of Union and Mount Sterling. This road became well-traveled by horseback and stagecoach travelers. Today we call it Highway 50.

Illustration of raft and canoes on the Missouri River, circa 1800s.

This date in Missouri history: This was the last day to meet in the first capital building in St. Charles. All records were taken to Jefferson City by canoe.

Stephen Johnson aka Santa Claus with two small children on his lap.

Is the beard real? What makes a good Santa? Is there training? How do you eat all those cookies on Christmas Eve? You’ve got questions, and we got the answers when we interviewed Santa Claus.

The state Capitol building in Jefferson City, Missouri.

This date in Missouri history. Henry T. Smith was crushed while quarrying stone for the new Missouri Capitol Building. 

Capitol1 Credit Aaron Fuhrman

Celebrate Missouri’s bicentennial all year long.

MO Tourism Outdoor NEW2

This article is presented in partnership with Missouri Division of Tourism. Hi everyone, Outdoor Mo here. While road trips are a great way to explore Missouri, consider pedaling your way across the state on the Katy Trail – America’s longest developed rail-to-trail route. The 240-mile trail is actually a state park that runs through the midsection …

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Cedric the Entertainer

Birthday of comedian, Cedric the Entertainer from Jefferson City and Berkeley, MO.

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The steamboat, E. A. Ogden sank in Murray’s Bend above Jefferson City.

Missouri State Capitol Interior Rotunda

Governor McNair signed a bill that designated the site for the City of Jefferson, which was to become the capital city for Missouri.

Jefferson City Missouri Capitol Building

Mellcene Thurman Smith and Sarah Lucille Turner became the first women elected to the State Legislature.

Missouri State Penitentiary JeffCity

Take a ghost tour of the historic prison, explore a vibrant downtown, and visit the Missouri Museum at our storied Capitol.

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Explore Thomas Hart Benton’s Missouri Murals.

Old Missouri State Penitentiary

Money was appropriated for the new state penitentiary in Jefferson City.

MR340 Canoe Race

Hundreds of paddlers from around the world will undertake the MR340 next year, a grueling 340-mile race on the Missouri River from Kansas City to St. Charles. Get a taste for the adventure from these veteran competitors, and pick a point along the river to watch.

Aerial view of Missouri State Capitol Building in Jefferson City Missouri

Missouri’s new capitol building in Jefferson City caught fire. The fire was not extinguished for two days. It may have been caused by a cigar smoker in the building’s library. Read more about this in Tales From Missouri and the Heartland.