Explore Missouri's capital, home to a historic State Capitol and Lincoln University, blending government, culture, and education
43,228
Population (2020)
1821
Year Established
1917
Capitol Completed
150,000
Metro Population
Overview
Jefferson City is the capital of the state of Missouri, with a 2020 population of 43,228, ranking as the 16th most populous city in the state but the 9th least populous U.S. state capital. The metropolitan area includes approximately 150,000 residents. Named for President Thomas Jefferson and laid out by Daniel M. Boone (son of frontier legend Daniel Boone), Jefferson City was selected in 1821 as the new state capital after St. Charles served as the initial capital.
History & Government
Capital Selection (1821): Under an act of Congress, the site for Missouri's state capital was selected in 1821, with the requirement that it be within 40 miles of the mouth of the Osage River. St. Charles had previously served as the capital. Jefferson City was named after President Thomas Jefferson and was laid out by Daniel M. Boone, son of the famous Kentucky frontiersman.
Architectural Heritage: The State Capitol is the most prominent government building, with the present structure completed in 1917. It represents the third permanent structure to serve as the seat of state government. The first capitol (1823-1826) was destroyed by fire in 1837. A second capitol completed in 1840 also burned when struck by lightning on February 5, 1911.
Government Functions: Jefferson City houses state agencies and serves as the seat of the Missouri Legislature. In addition to the capitol, the city hosts the Governor's Mansion and numerous state offices.
Demographics & Economy
Population Growth
2020 Population: 43,228
Metro Area: 150,000
State Rank: 16th most populous city
Capital Rank: 9th least populous state capital
Historical Growth
1900: Under 10,000
1930: Doubled to 20,000+
2000: Doubled again to 40,000+
2020: 43,228
Economy
Jefferson City's economy relies on government, health care, manufacturing, retail, education, and tourism. Government employment remains a significant sector due to the concentration of state agencies in the capital. The city serves as a regional economic hub with diversified employment opportunities.
Missouri State Capitol
Architecture & Design: The current Missouri State Capitol, located at 201 West Capitol Avenue, was designed by Tracy and Swartwout and completed in 1917. It is the sixth capitol in Missouri's history and represents the third permanent structure built in Jefferson City. The capitol was officially dedicated on October 6, 1924, and was once rated by USA Today as the fifth most beautiful on the outside and first most beautiful on the inside of all 50 United States capitals.
Capitol Construction
Materials: Constructed of Carthage and Phoenix marble
Famous Features: Celebrated murals by Missouri-born painter Thomas Hart Benton
Groundbreaking: May 6, 1913 (after voter approval of bond issue)
Dedication: October 6, 1924
Visiting the Capitol
Visitors can take self-guided walking tours of the Capitol and historic downtown areas. The building showcases stunning architecture, state symbols, and historical significance as the heart of Missouri government.
Education & Institutions
Lincoln University
Lincoln University is a public historically black and federal land-grant university founded in 1866 by Union Army black veterans. With fall 2025 enrollment reaching 2,256 students (up 9.83% from fall 2024), Lincoln University continues to serve students from Missouri and beyond. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs.
Other Nearby Institutions
University of Missouri: The state's flagship university located 30 miles north in Columbia
Columbia College: Has a campus in Jefferson City
William Woods University: Maintains a presence in the area
Attractions & Cultural Sites
Major Attractions
Missouri State Capitol: Historic government building known for stunning architecture and Thomas Hart Benton murals
St. Peter Church: Adjacent to the capitol, serving as important religious landmark
Missouri State Penitentiary: Historic prison site offering tours and historical education
Missouri Governor's Mansion: Official residence of the Governor of Missouri
Missouri State Museum: Exhibits covering state history and culture
Historic Downtown
Visitors can explore historic downtown areas through self-guided walking tours, discovering buildings, sites, and stories from Jefferson City's rich past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jefferson City was established as Missouri's capital in 1821, replacing St. Charles. The site was selected under an act of Congress that required it to be within 40 miles of the mouth of the Osage River. The city was named for President Thomas Jefferson and laid out by Daniel M. Boone.
The Missouri State Capitol was completed in 1917 and features stunning architecture constructed of Carthage and Phoenix marble. It was once rated by USA Today as the fifth most beautiful on the outside and first most beautiful on the inside of all 50 state capitals. The building features celebrated murals by Missouri-born painter Thomas Hart Benton.
The current Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City is the sixth in Missouri's history and the third permanent structure in Jefferson City itself. The first capitol building in Jefferson City (1823-1826) was destroyed by fire in 1837. A second capitol completed in 1840 burned when struck by lightning on February 5, 1911.
Lincoln University is a public historically black and federal land-grant university founded in 1866 by Union Army black veterans. Located in Jefferson City, it offers undergraduate and graduate programs and currently enrolls approximately 2,256 students, making it an important educational institution for the region.
Yes, visitors can take self-guided walking tours of the Missouri State Capitol and historic downtown areas. The building features stunning architecture, state symbols, and historical significance. Tours allow exploration of the halls and galleries of this beautiful government building.
The Missouri State Capitol features celebrated murals by Thomas Hart Benton, a famous Missouri-born painter. These murals add to the artistic and cultural significance of the building, representing important works of American art within a government building.
Jefferson City's 2020 population was 43,228, making it the 16th most populous city in Missouri but the 9th least populous U.S. state capital. The metropolitan area includes approximately 150,000 residents, providing a larger regional economic and cultural influence.
Lincoln University, a historically black university founded in 1866, is located in Jefferson City with approximately 2,256 students. The University of Missouri, Missouri's flagship university, is located 30 miles north in Columbia. Columbia College and William Woods University also maintain campuses in the area.