St. Charles, Missouri
Wandering Wednesdays took us to the First State Capital, a beautifully restored brick building, which stood at 200 S. Main for more than 200 years.
This grand building, which housed Missouri’s very first capital when Missouri became a State in 1821, was used about five years while plans for the first permanent capital were being developed and constructed in Jefferson City.
Historic Building Tours
The original area consisted of a federal style, four room, brick building which stood one room deep. The first floor was a residence and a store leaving the upper rooms available to be used by the state government.
The restored home was one room which had the kitchen in one corner along with a table and chairs. A spinning wheel, bench and writing table occupied the living area. Beds and a baby cradle were located at the back of the room. For such a large area the furnishings were sparse.
The store was also one room. They decorated it with animal pelts and old hardware, pottery and tools. I believe the Peck Brother’s owned and ran the store. I’m not sure I would want to work in a store with all those pelts staring at me all day. It kind of reminded me of a pet cemetery.
Our tour guide said Missouri was such a young state, the rooms were not used constantly because there was not a need to be in session.
Missouri’s First Governor
It was fun to wander throughout the large upstairs rooms wondering what great people crossed the threshold where I stood. A painting of our first governor was Alexander McNair, was hanging on the wall honoring him and his endeavors. A large beaver top hat sat near the painting.
Sometimes I wish the walls of those old building could talk, giving me the first-hand, inside scoop of the legal system in Missouri between 1821 and 1826. I wished I remembered more of the stories Miss. Weber told in our History class about the forming of the government of Missouri. Oh, to step back in time just a little ways to relive my past or a little further to relive Missouri’s past.
Missouri History
The two large room upstairs was set up with a podium, tables and several long cane-seat benches. The two rooms could be opened up to make more seating available by a wide doorway. Other rooms were available behind several doors on the upstairs floor. The old rooms had a faint musty smell with the rough wooden floor, trim and doors.
If I used my imagination and stood still enough, I could almost hear the business being conducted in those old rooms. I could almost seeing people move about the room seeking justice for loved ones or waiting to hear the outcome of new laws that might effect their lives in a positive or negative way.
Stepping out the back door we saw the great Missouri River as it flowed south toward unknown promises and dreams.
The new capital building was completed in 1826 and moved to Jefferson City, leaving its rich history in St. Charles behind.