City of Jefferson, Missouri
The City of Jefferson, generally erroneously referred to as Jefferson City, is the capital of Missouri. It's a nice town, situated on the banks of the Missouri River in central Missouri. The capitol building can be seen from miles away, bekoning the weary traveler etc., etc., etc.
After my experience of not finding a motel in Springfield, Illinois, the night before, I took the first one I came to in the City of Jefferson: the Hotel de Ville. It was kind of run-down looking, but it was close to the capitol. Inside, it was delightful! I got there a bit too soon for dinner in their authentic French restaurant, but by the time I had a short nap and a shower, they began serving, so I had a fabulous early dinner: baked halibut on a sauteed cucumber sauce. And crème brûlée for dessert, my favorite. Eating at the Hotel de Ville would make a trip to the City of Jefferson worthwhile even if you didn't have any other reason for going there.
After dinner I walked over to the capitol and looked around, but it was closed, so I didn't get to go inside.
We are no longer in the "Land of Lincoln"; this is Jefferson country. You will no doubt recall that it was President Thomas Jefferson who sent Lewis and Clark on their fantastic voyage up the Missouri River past what is now the capital of Missouri, across the mountains, and down the Great River of the West past what is now my home town of Vancouver, Washington, and on to the Pacific Ocean.
President Thomas Jefferson
Here are two more photos of the Missouri State Capitol for your edification:
Photos and text
©D.L. Mark 2002
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