Cape Girardeau County, Missouri

B'Nai Israel Synagogue Bainbridge Ferry Bainridge Ferry Rd. Bennett-Tobler-Pace-Oliver House Big Hill Farmstead Historic District Broadway and North Fountain Street Historic District Broadway Commercial Historic District Broadway Theatre Broadway-Middle Commercial Historic District Broadway-Middle Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase) Burfordville Covered Bridge Burfordville Mill Byrd, Abraham, House Cape Girardeau Commercial Historic District Cape Girardeau Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase II) Cape Girardeau Commercial Historic District (Boundary Increase) Cape Girardeau Court of Common Pleas Central High School Chapman, Dr. Jean, House Clark, George Boardman, House Courthouse-Seminary Neighborhood Historic District Erlbacher Buildings Esquire Theater Fort D Frizel-Welling House Glenn House Haarig Commercial Historic District Hanover Lutheran Church Harrison, William Henry and Lilla Luce, House Himmelberger and Harrison Building House at 323 Themis Street Huhn-Harrison House Jackson Uptown Commercial Historic District Jefferson School Kage School Klostermann Block Lilly, Edward S. and Mary Annatoile Albert, House Main-Spanish Commercial Historic District Marquette Hotel McKendree Chapel Mckendree Chapel (Boundary Increase) Miller-Seabaugh House and Dr. Seabaugh Office Building Old Appleton Bridge Old Lorimier Cemetery Oliver-Leming House Ponder, Abraham Russell, House Pott, Frederick W. and Mary Karau, House Reynolds, James, House Shivelbine, August and Amalia, House South Middle Street Historic District Southeast Missourian Building St. James A.M.E. Church St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church St. Vincent's College Building Thilenius, Col, George C., House Vasterling, Julius, Building Warehouse Row Historic District Wichterich, Robert Felix and Elma Taylor, House Wilson, J. Maple and Grace Senne, House Wood Building

Cape Girardeau County, located in the southeastern part of Missouri, has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century. The area was initially inhabited by the Mississippian Native American culture, who left behind ancient mounds and artifacts that provide insight into their way of life.

In the late 17th century, French explorers such as Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet ventured through the region, followed by French settlers who established a trading post in the area in the early 18th century. The town of Cape Girardeau was officially founded in 1793, named after Ensign Jean Baptiste de Girardot, a French officer who helped establish the trading post.

During the 19th century, Cape Girardeau County played a significant role in the early development of the state of Missouri. The area became an important transportation hub, with the Mississippi River serving as a vital trade route for steamboats carrying goods and passengers. The river also facilitated the growth of agriculture, as local farmers could easily transport their crops to markets in nearby St. Louis.

The county was heavily influenced by the Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the region at various times. Cape Girardeau played a strategic military role due to its location, and saw skirmishes and battles throughout the war. Many buildings were damaged or destroyed during this period, but the area began to recover and rebuild after the war ended.

Today, Cape Girardeau County is a thriving community known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, historic sites, and natural beauty. The county continues to evolve and grow, while also preserving its rich history and heritage.
Brief timeline of the history of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri:

  • 1793: Cape Girardeau County is established as one of the five original counties of the newly formed Missouri Territory.
  • 1806: The first permanent settlement is established near what is now the city of Cape Girardeau.
  • 1812: The first courthouse in the county is constructed.
  • 1850: The first railroad reaches Cape Girardeau County, spurring economic growth in the region.
  • 1861-1865: Cape Girardeau County sees significant activity during the American Civil War, with both Union and Confederate forces occupying the area at different times.
  • 1873: The city of Cape Girardeau is officially incorporated.
  • 1903: Southeast Missouri State University is established in Cape Girardeau County.
  • 1928: The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge, connecting Cape Girardeau to Illinois, opens.
  • 1973: The Trail of Tears State Park is established to preserve the memory of the forced removal of Native Americans in the 19th century.
  • 2005: The catastrophic Flood of 2005 affects Cape Girardeau County and much of the surrounding region.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cape Girardeau County, Missouri.