Discovering how the Missouri State Capitol became a lasting testament to Jefferson City’s resilience.
- Jefferson City’s second state capitol building prior to expansion in 1886
As Jefferson City celebrates its bicentennial, there are many pivotal firsts to reflect upon. Among the most significant firsts is the story of Jefferson City’s first Capitol building — a cornerstone of Jefferson City’s journey as the capital city of Missouri.
John Miller, who eventually became the fourth governor of Missouri, was a strong advocate for establishing Jefferson City to serve as Missouri’s new capital. In 1821, the Missouri state legislature commissioned Jefferson City to become the capital, but while the city was being planned and developed, general assemblies were held in Missouri’s first capitol building, located in St. Charles, Missouri.
To help further cement Jefferson City’s role as the capital, John Miller worked tirelessly to support Jefferson City’s development with projects like the Missouri State Penitentiary and other essential city infrastructures. In 1826, three years after Jefferson City was officially designated the state capital, Jefferson City’s first Capitol building was completed. Located on the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, it symbolized not only the growth of the city but also its importance in Missouri’s governance.
During those early years, Jefferson City was still very much a frontier town. Its central business district consisted of a grist mill, a distillery, a general store, and the Rising Sun Hotel — operated by John Gordon and located where the governor’s mansion now stands. This compact settlement of about 30 families was centered around the capitol building, which quickly became a focal point for city development.
Unfortunately, just 11 years after its completion, tragedy struck. In November of 1837, the Capitol building was engulfed in flames. The cause of the fire remains a mystery to this day, though it’s often attributed to a careless worker. The fire reduced the capitol building to ruins, leaving Jefferson City without its most important symbol. Despite the devastation, the people of Jefferson City were undeterred. They rallied together, and by 1840, Jefferson City’s second Capitol building, made of local limestone, was completed on the same site overlooking the Missouri River.
- The ruins of the Capitol’s main entrance after it was struck by lightning on February 5, 1911
The fire, though tragic, was a moment that helped shape Jefferson City’s future. The city’s early economic development faced several challenges, including competition with prison labor from the Missouri State Penitentiary. The use of convict labor for local construction projects — including homes, businesses, and even the first Capitol building — was a source of tension. Free laborers felt their wages were being undercut, and many believed this stifled the city’s growth. The loss of the Capitol building and its eventual rebuilding spurred new development, with the population gradually growing despite initial setbacks.
Jefferson City’s recovery after the fire wasn’t just about rebuilding a structure; it was a testament to the community’s resilience. In the years that followed, the city expanded. By the early 20th century, Jefferson City had established itself as a vital hub in Missouri. Even after another fire struck the Capitol building’s dome in 1911, which led to debates about moving the capital to Sedalia, Missouri, Jefferson City once again emerged victorious. The bond issue to rebuild the third Capitol building passed, ensuring that the capital of Missouri would remain in Jefferson City.
Looking back on 200 years of progress in Jefferson City, it’s important to remember the first Capitol building and the people who worked to make Jefferson City Missouri’s capital. The story of its construction, destruction, and rebuilding serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of Jefferson City’s residents. Jefferson City’s first Capitol building may have been short-lived, but its impact endures, honoring the people who laid the foundation of the city’s history