Jefferson City
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| Jefferson City | |
|---|---|
| Name | Jefferson City |
| Settlement type | Capital city |
| Nickname | Jeff City |
| Motto | "The Capital City" |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | Missouri |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Cole |
| Subdivision type3 | Callaway |
| Subdivision name3 | (partial) |
| Established title | Founded |
| Established date | 1821 |
| Established title2 | Incorporated |
| Established date2 | 1825 |
| Government type | Mayor–council |
| Leader title | Mayor |
| Leader name | Ron Fitzwater |
| Area total km2 | 97.66 |
| Area total sq mi | 37.71 |
| Area land km2 | 92.30 |
| Area land sq mi | 35.64 |
| Area water km2 | 5.36 |
| Area water sq mi | 2.07 |
| Elevation m | 192 |
| Elevation ft | 630 |
| Population total | 43,228 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
| Population density km2 | 468.3 |
| Population density sq mi | 1212.8 |
| Timezone | CST |
| Utc offset | -6 |
| Timezone DST | CDT |
| Utc offset DST | -5 |
| Postal code type | ZIP Codes |
| Postal code | 65101-65111 |
| Area code | 573 |
| Blank name | FIPS code |
| Blank info | 29-37000 |
| Blank1 name | GNIS feature ID |
| Blank1 info | 0756063 |
| Website | www.jeffersoncitymo.gov |
Jefferson City. It is the capital of the U.S. state of Missouri and the county seat of Cole County, with a portion extending into Callaway County. Located near the geographic center of the state on the northern edge of the Ozark Plateau, it sits along the Missouri River. The city was specifically planned to serve as the state capital after the Missouri Compromise and is named for Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.
History
The site was selected by a commission appointed by the Missouri General Assembly in 1821, the same year Missouri was admitted to the Union. The city was officially incorporated in 1825, and the Missouri State Capitol was temporarily housed in St. Charles until construction was completed. Growth was steady but impacted by events like the American Civil War, during which it was occupied by Union Army troops following the Battle of Jefferson City. Significant 20th-century development included the construction of the current Missouri State Capitol building, completed in 1917, and its iconic Thomas Hart Benton mural. The city weathered the Great Flood of 1993, which caused significant damage along the Missouri River.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 37.71 square miles, of which 35.64 square miles is land and 2.07 square miles is water. The city's topography is defined by the Missouri River and the surrounding bluffs, with the downtown area situated on the south bank. It lies within the Ozark Plateau region, featuring rolling hills and karst topography. Major geographic features include the Missouri River and nearby Lake of the Ozarks, with the city located at the intersection of U.S. Route 50 and U.S. Route 54.
Demographics
As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 43,228. The racial makeup was approximately 74.1% White, 18.1% Black or African American, and 2.8% Asian. The Hispanic or Latino population of any race was 3.5%. The median household income was below the state average, and a notable portion of employment is tied to state government. Educational attainment data shows that over 90% of adults have a high school diploma, with about 35% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.
Government
Jefferson City operates under a mayor–council government system. The current mayor is Ron Fitzwater, and the city council consists of ten members representing five wards. As the state capital, it is the seat of the Missouri General Assembly, housing the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate. Other major state institutions located here include the Missouri Supreme Court, the Office of the Governor of Missouri, and numerous state agencies such as the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Economy
The economy is dominated by the public sector, with state government being the largest employer. Major employers include the State of Missouri, the Cole County government, Capital Region Medical Center, and Lincoln University. Other significant sectors include health care, education, and insurance, with companies like Central Bank of Missouri and Scholastic, Inc. maintaining operations. The city also benefits from tourism related to the Missouri State Capitol and the Missouri State Penitentiary.
Culture and education
Cultural institutions include the Missouri State Museum, located in the Missouri State Capitol, and the Cole County Historical Society museum. The city is home to Lincoln University, a historically black public university founded by soldiers of the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantry. The public school system, Jefferson City Public Schools, serves the area, and parochial education is offered by institutions like Helias Catholic High School. Annual events include the Missouri State Fair in nearby Sedalia and the local Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair.
Category:State capitals in the United States Category:Cities in Missouri Category:County seats in Missouri