Historical Markers in
Cole County, Missouri

39th Regiment Monument A National Cemetery System Bicentennial Monument Carnegie Library Cole County World War Memorial Corps of Discovery During the next four decades Exchange Bank Freedom Corner German Methodist Episcopal Church Gold Star Memorial Grace Episcopal Church Grand Army of the Republic Memorial James A. Houchin House Jefferson City Jefferson City Greenway: Jefferson City National Cemetery Judge J. C. Young House Lewis and Clark Expedition Lincoln University was founded Missouri Governor's Mansion Missouri Motor Carriers Association Building Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association Missouri State Penitentiary Warden's House Monroe House Navy Seabees Nelson & Gertrude Burch House Oscar G. and Mary H. Burch House Philip Hess House Replica of the Statue of Liberty Robert William Wells Site of Price Mansion Soldiers' Memorial Plaza Spanish-American War Memorial State Lot Temple Beth El The Corps of Discovery in the Jefferson City Area The Exchange National Bank Building The founding of Lincoln University The Missouri River Valley as a Transportation Corridor The State Capital During The Civil War The Tennessee House Thomas Jefferson Towards the end of the war Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial Willis Porter Corwin With the deeding of the property to the state in 1879 Woodland-Old City Cemetery World War I Memorial Young-Ewing House
The Pony Express, a mail delivery service that operated from 1860 to 1861, had a route that went through Missouri. The service used a network of riders and relay stations to transport mail from St. Joseph, Missouri, to Sacramento, California, in just 10 days.
Missouri random facts
Cole County, Missouri, is located in the central part of the state. It was formed on November 16, 1820, and named after Captain Stephen Cole, an early settler and veteran of the War of 1812. The county was established when the Missouri State Legislature decided to divide the more populous and prosperous Boone County into smaller jurisdictions.

The first European settlers arrived in the area in the early 1800s, primarily of German and Irish descent. They were attracted by the fertile soil along the banks of the Missouri River. Cole County quickly became an important agricultural center, with crops such as wheat, corn, and tobacco dominating the local economy. The county seat, Jefferson City, was chosen to be the capital of Missouri in 1821, further boosting its growth and development.

During the Civil War, Cole County was a divided community. Although Missouri officially remained in the Union, there were Confederate sympathizers in the area. Jefferson City was occupied by Union troops for the majority of the war, and several notable skirmishes took place in the county. In the post-war years, Cole County experienced economic growth and modernization. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century and the construction of the Missouri State Penitentiary in the early 20th century brought further development and employment opportunities.

Today, Cole County continues to be an important political and economic hub in central Missouri. Jefferson City, the county seat, remains the state capital and houses numerous government buildings and institutions. The county is also known for its rich natural beauty, with the Missouri River offering opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Cole County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have shaped the area into the thriving community it is today.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cole County, Missouri.

  • 1818 - Cole County is established on November 16
  • 1821 - The new state capital, Jefferson City, is selected to be located in Cole County
  • 1837 - Construction of the Missouri State Penitentiary begins in Jefferson City
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, and Cole County becomes divided in its support of the Union and Confederate causes
  • 1865 - The Civil War ends, and Cole County begins the process of rebuilding and recovering from the war
  • 1896 - The first automobile arrives in Cole County
  • 1911 - The current Missouri State Capitol building is completed in Jefferson City
  • 1941 - The Jefferson City Army Airfield is established, becoming an important training center during World War II
  • 1954 - The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, known as the Gateway Arch, is completed in St. Louis, just outside of Cole County
  • 1964 - The Missouri State Penitentiary is expanded, becoming the largest walled prison in the United States
  • 1980 - The Missouri State Penitentiary closes after 133 years of operation
  • 2008 - The Capitol Avenue Historic District in Jefferson City is added to the National Register of Historic Places