Missouri State Archives & Charter Media team up
Moments in Missouri Political History Video Segments

Segment

In 1911, the Capitol Building in Jefferson City was struck by lightning and within a few hours only the walls were left standing. This was the second Capitol Building to be destroyed by fire in the 88 years that Jefferson City had been the seat of government for Missouri. Jefferson City firemen arrived shortly after the alarm was sounded but could not contain the flames to the dome. People rushed in to save documents and valuable paintings but were soon chased out by the dense smoke. In the coming years, Missouri government went on in local churches, the Supreme Court Building and anywhere else that had enough office space available. Eventually out of the ashes arose today’s new Capitol conducted in 1917.