Jefferson City, MO

Jefferson City, Missouri

An Introduction to Jefferson City, Missouri

Jefferson City is the capital of Missouri and is situated in Cole County. It's located near the northern outskirts of the Ozarks and along the Missouri River. The city was given its name in tribute to President Thomas Jefferson. The area was incorporated as a city in 1839.

History

The region was originally inhabited by natives known as the Mound Builders. After the community disappeared the area became home to the Osage Indians. In 1682 an explorer named LaSalle entered the region and claimed the territory for France. During the 1800's the frontiersman Daniel Boone established the Boone's Lick Trail. Later, the city was designed by Daniel Morgan Boone who was the son of the noteworthy frontiersman.

In 1821 Jefferson City was selected to be the home of the state capital. Industries in the area such as grist mills, distilleries, flour mills and tanneries began to thrive. The arrival of the Civil War brought contentious debates regarding whether or not slavery would still be allowed in the state of Missouri and if the state should leave the Union. In the end, the state assembly decided that Missouri would remain in the Union. There was a brief battle with Confederate troops but the Union soldiers managed to keep control of Jefferson City.

Attractions

• The Missouri Governor's Mansion is a popular attraction. The home has a Victorian appearance and features antique furnishings.
• The Lohman Building is recognized as the oldest building in the city and is included in the Jefferson Landing State Historic Site.
• Graham Cave State Park was occupied by humans more than 10,000 years ago. Tours are provided for visitors. The cave is surrounded by a forest area and provides hiking trails and picnic areas.
• The Missouri State Capitol Building.
• Missouri State Museum.
• Jefferson Landing Historic Site.
• Cole County Historical Museum.
• Runge Nature Center
• The Missouri Veterinary Museum
• Museum of Missouri Military History

Higher Education

Jefferson City is home to Lincoln University. It was originally established to provide education for African American students by combining academics and work. In 1954 the college was open to students of all races. The university is comprised of:

• College of Business and Professional Studies
• College of Liberal Arts, Education and Journalism
• College of Natural Science, Mathematics and Technology, Cooperative Extension and Research
• School of Graduate Studies and Continuing Education

High Points

Jefferson City strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Missouri):

Category	Trophy
Short Commute Times (vs. Peers)	Top 4%
Well-Paid Single Men (vs. State)	Top 7%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 10%
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 10%
College Educated Adults (vs. State)	Top 12%
Affordability of Property Taxes (vs. Peers)	Top 15%
Median Family Income (vs. State)	Top 16%
Well-Paid Single Women (vs. State)	Top 17%

Comparative Profile of Jefferson City, MO

Comparing Jefferson City to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Missouri (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Male Share of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men
Senior Citizens
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Women
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Female Share of the Population

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Portion of People Married
Average Household Size

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
Median Family Income
People Above Poverty

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
Working at Home
Walking and Biking to Work

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Living Alone
Affordability of Rents
Affordability of Property Taxes
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals

Crime

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Low Property Crime
Low Violent Crime

Jefferson City Almanac

Jefferson City Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Jefferson City Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Jefferson City residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Jefferson City, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Jefferson City Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Jefferson City Hospitals

ST MARYS HEALTH CENTER
(Proprietary)
100 ST MARYS MEDICAL PLAZA
(573) 761-7000
Emergency Service: Yes

CAPITAL REGION MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Private)
1125 MADISON ST
(573) 632-5000
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Jefferson City

Jefferson City High Schools (2004)

JEFFERSON CITY HIGH
609 UNION
573-659-3050
Serves 1,801 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 16.4

BLAIR OAKS HIGH
6124 FALCON LN
573-635-8514
Serves 387 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 14.5

H KENNETH KIRCHNER ST SCH
1403 RIVERSIDE DR
573-337-7142
Serves 23 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 3.6

NICHOLS CAREER CTR.
605 UNION
573-659-3100
A Vocational School

PRENGER FAMILY CTR.
400 STADIUM BLVD
573-636-5177
A Non-traditional School

Jefferson City Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Lincoln University

Merrell University of Beauty Arts and Science

Nichols Career Center

(List of All Missouri Colleges)

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