First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Missouri State CapitolState Historic Site |
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Missouri's state capitol, 1821–1826
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 First Missouri State Capitol
State Historic Site Location in Missouri
First Missouri State Capitol
State Historic Site Location in the United States
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| Location | St. Charles, St. Charles, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 0.66 acres (0.27 ha) |
| Established | 1960 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site |
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First Missouri State Capitol Buildings
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| Location | 208–216 S. Main Street, St. Charles, Missouri |
| NRHP reference No. | 69000313 |
| Added to NRHP | April 16, 1969 |
The First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is a special place in St. Charles, Missouri. It protects the building that was Missouri's first state capitol from 1821 to 1826. This historic site is part of the St. Charles Historic District in the city's Riverfront area. The state of Missouri bought the property in 1960. Later, in 1969, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as an important historical landmark.
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What is the First Missouri State Capitol?
The First Missouri State Capitol is made up of four brick buildings that are connected. These buildings are quite old, with stone foundations and gabled roofs. They are only one room deep, which was common for buildings of that time.
Life Inside the Capitol Buildings
The buildings had two main uses. The first floor was a busy place, used as a store and also as a home for people. Imagine buying supplies or living right where important decisions were being made!
The second floor was where the state government worked. This is where early Missouri lawmakers met to create laws and guide the new state. Both parts of the building, the store/residence and the government offices, are carefully preserved today. When you visit, you can see what life and government were like almost 200 years ago.
Why St. Charles was the First Capitol
When Missouri officially became a state in 1821, it needed a place for its government to meet. St. Charles was chosen as the temporary capital. It was a growing town along the Missouri River, making it a good central spot at the time.
The lawmakers used these buildings to get the new state up and running. They worked there for about five years, from 1821 to 1826. After that, the capital moved to Jefferson City, where it is today.
A Protected Historic Landmark
Today, the First Missouri State Capitol is a State Historic Site. This means it's protected by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Their job is to make sure this important piece of history is preserved for everyone to learn from.
Being on the National Register of Historic Places also means it's recognized nationally for its historical value. It's a great example of early American government and life in Missouri.
