Jefferson City is the capital of Missouri, a state of the United States of America. As of the 2000 census, the population is 39,636. It is the county seat of Cole County. Part of the city is in Callaway County, Missouri, United States.In pre-Columbian times, this region was home of an ancient people known only as the Mound Builders. By the time European settlers began arriving here, the Mound Builders had already vanished into history and the indigenous peoples were called the Osage Indians. (See Also: Osage Nation)Jefferson City was named after the third president of the United States of America, Thomas Jefferson. When the Missouri Territory was organized in 1812, St. Louis was the seat of government. St. Charles served as the capital until Jefferson City was chosen as the new capital in 1821. In 1821 Jefferson City was known as Lohman´s Landing. When the city was first chosen to be the state capital, they proposed the name "Missouriopolis", but later settled on Jefferson City. It was little more than a trading post located in the wilderness about midway between St. Louis and Kansas City. In 1826 the Missouri legislature first met here. In 1839 the site was incorporated as a city.Jefferson City is in the Ozarks on the Missouri River near the geographic center of the state, and is dominated by a beautiful domed Capitol, rising from a bluff overlooking the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark passed beneath that bluff on their historic expedition.

The Missouri State Capitol Building is truly a sight to behold. It was recently rated as having the most beautiful interior of any capitol building in the United States by USAToday. Do not miss it!

Also housed here is the Missouri State Museum.

The Lohman Building, built in the 1830s as part of the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, is considered to be the oldest building in the entire city. Over the course of its colorful history, the building was used as an inn, a store and warehouse, a brothel and a residence for steamboat passengers. The building is located east of the city center, near the Amtrak station.

For nearly 135 years the Missouri Governor's Mansion has been the residence for the various governors and their families. Today, the mansion houses the current governor and opens its doors to visitors interested in seeing a pristine Victorian home still decorated with antique period furnishings. The mansion is located east of the city center, near the Amtrak station and the riverfront.

The Missouri Veterinary Museum features over 3,500 artifacts that trace the history of the veterinary profession from the 16th century until today. Included in the museum's permanent collection are an 1870s small animal operating table, and 1920s vaccination machine for hog cholera. The museum is located south of Riverview Cemetery, near the Dix Road Shopping Center.

Located inside a historic house just across from the governors mansion. The house is beautifully furnished with items dating back to the 1800’s many from the homes of well to do figures from Jefferson City’s history. This museum also boasts a collection of each Missouri first lady’s inaugural gown.

Not only does the Runge Nature Center have miles of outdoor trails, but it also has a large indoor area with educational exhibits, as well as an auditorium. Educational events are held year round.

All the brochures and information you could ever want or need about Jefferson City. Check out the website at www.visitjeffersoncity.com.

For a refreshing break anytime, stop in at Central Diary for legendary ice cream treats. The dairy is an excellent stop any time of year and known as a longtime favorite of locals and many throughout the Midwest

Lincoln University both a regional university and a Historically Black University. Lincoln University was founded in 1866 by members of the 62 nd and 65 th Colored Infantries of the Civil War specifically for the education of African-Americans who were previously prohibited from seeking out higher education in Missouri. The campus now includes a monument dedicated to these founders as well as eight buildings on the National Register of Historic Buildings.