Missouri became a state in 1821, at which point Jefferson was selected as the state capital. While the new capital was under construction, several other cities competed to give legislators a place to temporarily meet. The rapidly growing center of trade, St. Charles, won the competition by offering a rent-free location along the Missouri River. The Federal-style brick building that served as the capital until 1826 had a general store on the first floor, and meeting space on the second. Today, the restored building is open to visitors and filled with period furnishings, examples of the furs being traded in the area at the time, and informational exhibits. The first-floor general store is stoked with examples of 19th century merchandise.

First Missouri State Capital State Historic Site, 200 South Main St, St. Charles, MO 63301, Phone: 636-940-3322

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