Historical society building has history all its own

Cole County Historical Society Museum at 109-111 Madison Street in Jefferson City.

Cole County Historical Society Museum at 109-111 Madison Street in Jefferson City. Photo by Kris Wilson.

By Michelle Brooks

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Reconstruction and repurposing could sum up the lasting contributions made by Missouri’s 20th governor.

Benjamin Gratz Brown pulled together a wounded and divided state following the Civil War, after being elected governor in 1870 representing the newly formed liberal Republican Party. Brown even received support from the Democratic Party which did not propose a candidate that year.

Brown was involved in the detailed planning and construction of the current Governor’s Mansion. He even advanced more than $20,000 personally toward the construction.

Across Madison Street, Brown had three Federal-style row houses built, a portion of which now houses the Cole County Historical Society.

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