Jefferson City, is the capital of the US state of Missouri and is named after Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), the third President of USA from 1801–1809. The city is located on the southern side of the Missouri River in a region known as Mid-Missouri.
- Missouri Capital Building in Jefferson City
- Wilson’s Serenity Point
Capitol building in Jefferson City – We went on a guided tour of the Capitol building. Completed in 1917, the building rests upon a limestone bluff on the south bank of the Missouri River. It is 437 feet long and 300 feet wide at its center. The Baroque dome, rises 238ft (73m) above ground level, topped by the statue of Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. A wide and grand staircase leads to the bronze entrance doors, each 13 by 18 feet.
Capitol building in Jefferson City, Rotunda and the Dome – The rotunda is a grand space known for its impressive artistic decorations. It features a large dome, a grand staircase, and is adorned with murals and sculptures that depict Missouri’s history, people, and culture.
The view of the dome from the first floor rotunda is magnificent. A huge bronze chandelier, weighing 9,000 pounds, hangs from the dome’s eye, 171 feet above. The paintings of Frank Brangwyn on the eye, panels and pendentive of the dome are visible from the ground floor.
Capitol building in Jefferson City, House of Representative – The Missouri State Capitol houses the Missouri House of Representatives, alongside the Senate, as the legislative branch of the state government.
The House of Representative in the Capitol building features stained glass which includes a large Missouri at Peace window and 10 smaller windows depicting the characteristics of democracy. These were designed by H.T. Schladermundt, and the large window depicts Missouri as a woman on a throne, surrounded by figures symbolizing art, science, justice, and learning.
Ten additional stained-glass windows in the House chamber represent the greatest characteristics of democracy.
Capitol building in Jefferson City, House of Representative Lounge – a prime attraction in the 3rd floor House lounge is the iconic set of murals depicting the history and culture of Missouri painted by Thomas Hart Benton. He completed the paintings in 1936 and real people posed for him, and when he was all done he returned the sketches to the people that posed. They are unabashed in their depiction of slavery, immigration, industrialization and their impact on the State of Missouri.
Capitol building in Jefferson City, Senate – The Missouri State Capitol houses the Missouri Senate and the House of Representatives, as the legislative branch of the state government.
Capitol building in Jefferson City, The Great Window – The Great Window in the Missouri State Capitol is a stunning 22’3″ x 22’10” stained glass barrel vault laylight, designed by artist Herman Schladermundt. The window depicts Missouri history, including river development, natural resources, and agriculture.
Capitol building in Jefferson City, Lewis and Clark Monument – Located in the grounds of the Capital building, it recognizes the city’s connection to the historical expedition made by Lewis and Clark. Dedicated on June 4, 2008, the plaza includes Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, York, George Druillard, and Seaman.
The Missouri State Museum on the ground floor is another popular feature.
Wilson’s Serenity Point – also known as Joe Wilson’s Serenity Point, it is a river access point known for its scenic views of the Missouri River, the city’s bridge, and the Capital building. It’s part of the North Jefferson City Recreation Area and features a boat ramp, parking lot, and access to a pedestrian bridge. Visitors can enjoy the river views, potentially spot wildlife, and access walking and biking trails in the area.
There is a memorial with a swing at this scenic location. Take a seat and swing while watching the river gently flow along the tree-lined banks.
