Jefferson City (pop. 43,228; met. area pop. 150,309) is the capital of Missouri. It lies near the center of the state, along the Missouri River. Jefferson City was named for President Thomas Jefferson.
The State Capitol dominates the city’s downtown area. It is built of white limestone and resembles the United States Capitol. On the building’s third floor, famous murals by Thomas Hart Benton portray Missouri’s history. Near the Capitol are the Governor’s Mansion, which is a fine example of French-Italian architecture; and the huge, modern Harry S. Truman State Office Building. Jefferson City is the home of Lincoln University.
The Missouri state government is Jefferson City’s largest employer. The city’s products include automobile parts, personal care products, and transformers.
Jefferson City became the capital of Missouri in 1826, when it was a tiny settlement. It grew after it became a stopping point for stagecoaches and steamboats in the 1830’s. Jefferson City is the county seat of Cole County and has a mayor-council government.
