Jefferson City was chosen as the capital of the state of Missouri in 1821 and named after Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States of America. Jefferson City is located in the Ozarks on the banks of the Missouri River and is near the geographic center of the state. The city is located along Highway 54, Highway 50, and Highway 63, it is 30 miles south of Columbia, Missouri and nearly central between the major cities of Missouri, St. Louis, and Kansas City. The City of Jefferson had a total of 39,636 residents in the year 2000, and the median age was 36 years.
Jefferson City has a deep historical background and illustrates a romantic atmosphere with many buildings dating back to the 19th century. The Lohman Building was built in the late 1830s and is believed to be the oldest structure in the city. This three-story limestone treasure trove now displays 19th-century transport. Other historic attractions include the Missouri State Governor’s Mansion, the Carnahan Memorial Garden, which changed its name in 2001 after the death of Governor Mel Carnahan, the Cole County Historical Museum, and the Missouri Supreme Court Building. The city also encompasses a long list of historic homes such as the Schmidt Apartments, Ivy Terrace, Towles-Buckner House, Oscar Birch House, Villa Panorama, Cole County Historical Society, Wendielin Buehrle House, Dix House, Upshulte House, Hugh Stevens House, Orchard Acres , Jefferson Female Seminary, Schroeder House, Oberman House, Parson’s House and Sinclair-Hagner House which add to the richness and atmosphere found there.
Perhaps the most sought after attraction in Missouri is the Missouri State Capitol Building. The Capitol dome rises 238 feet above ground level and is perched on the bluffs of the Missouri River. The building creates a picturesque view of the city for travelers arriving from the north. Completed in 1918, the Capitol offers exhibits and tours that provide an excellent historical education of the state of Missouri, as well as the building itself. Other museums and attractions in the city include the Missouri Veterans Memorial, the Cole County Historical Museum, the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial, the Missouri Veterinary Museum, the Missouri Museum of Military History, and the Missouri River Regional Library.
Jefferson City sits on some of the most beautiful terrain in Missouri and offers an outdoor retreat with several parks and golf courses. Eagle Knoll Golf Course is ranked the third best value in the nation and challenges all levels of play. Oak Hills Golf Center, Railwood Golf Course, Turkey Creek Golf Center and Redfield Golf Course are favorite spots for visitors and residents alike. The City of Jefferson has numerous parks, including Binder Park, Joseph C. Miller Park, Ellis Porter/Riverside Park, McClung Park, McKay Park, Memorial Park and Family Aquatic Center, Miller Street Park, Washington Park, and Cole County Park. Most notable is the city portion of the famous Katy Trail.
Classic entertainment for the whole family can be found at the Marvic Skate Center, The Washington Park Skate Park, Washington Park Ice Arena, West Gate Lanes, Capital 4 Theaters and Capital 8 Theaters. The city also has a shooting range at the United Sportsman Club. The city’s nightlife can be enjoyed at various nightclubs such as Mike’s Corner Pocket, Bones, Pitchers, College Club, Spectators, and Budweiser Inn Bar & Lounge.
The city of Jefferson appreciates the fine arts and is home to the Miller Center for the Performing Arts, the Jefferson City Community Concert Association, the Jefferson City Symphony, the Little Theatre, the Capital City Actors, and the Stained Glass Theatre.
The Jefferson City Public School District operates Jefferson City High School. There is also a private school, Helias. The University of Lincoln is also a landmark institution and in 2004 was ranked fifth in graduate diversity and seventh for having the most international students.
The Jefferson City shopping experience ranges from quaint “Mom and Pop” specialty stores to chain stores and the Capital Mall. Downtown Jefferson City on High Street has been a central hub of the city for more than 150 years and However, the city is continually expanding to offer more to its residents and visitors.
Wildwood Crossing offers mom and pop stores like Pier 1 Imports, Old Navy, MC Sports, Goody’s, Petco, TJ Maxx, Shoe Carnival, Barnes and Noble, Cingular Wireless and more. Chain stores like Best Buy, Lowes, and Wal-Mart are also found along Missouri Boulevard. The Capital Mall features department stores like JCPenney, Sears, and Dillard’s, as well as stores like Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, Buckle, Tuesday Morning, Payless Shoe Source, American Eagle Outfitters, Christopher & Banks, Claire’s Boutique, Deb, Dollar Tree , EB Games, Foot Locker, Hot Topic, JoAnn Fabrics, Kay Jewelers, KB Toys, Maurice’s, Radio Shack, Rex TV & Appliance Center, Shoe Department, Things Remembered, Trade Secret, Zales and more.
Dining in Jefferson City ranges from fast food to fine dining and caters for all occasions. With restaurants like Madison’s Café, Arri’s Pizza Palace, Michael’s Unforgetable BBQ, McDonald’s, Roly Poly, Paddy Malone’s Pub, Capital City Steak House, Pizza Hut, Sonic, Subway, O’Donoghue’s, Colton’s Steakhouse, Applebee’s, Ruby Tuesday’s, Dairy Queen, Fazoli’s, Taco Bell, El Jimador, China Garden, High Street Pub, Zesto Drive-In, Kate & Ally’s, Old Brick House Deli, Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, Alexandro’s and more, choosing just one place at a time will be the hardest part. .
The City of Jefferson is a gracious host for travelers seeking small-town charm with city conveniences. Honor a rich past and embrace a prosperous future.