Jefferson City, State capital on the Missouri River, United States
Jefferson City sits on both banks of the Missouri River and spreads across gentle hills where residential neighborhoods and government buildings mix together. The Capitol dome rises above the river valley and marks the political center of Missouri, while streets lined with older brick houses and newer administrative structures alternate behind it.
The site was chosen in 1821 as capital of the newly formed state of Missouri after Congress required it to be near the mouth of the Osage River. The current Capitol building rose after a fire in 1911 and was constructed between 1913 and 1917.
The city takes its name from Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence. This historical connection appears in many public buildings and street names that visitors discover while walking through the government district.
The city is easy to explore on foot, especially around the Capitol and the nearby riverfront where paths run along the waterfront promenade. Visitors can orient themselves using information panels that mark the main public buildings and historical sites.
The river divides the city into two unequal halves, with the smaller northern section sitting on a peninsula nearly surrounded by water. This geographical feature makes crossing the bridges part of daily life for many residents and commuters.
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