Capitol's demise remembered


The second Capitol in Jefferson City was built in 1840 and remodeled after the Civil War to add wings for the House and Senate. The building was destroyed by fire after a lightning strike on Feb. 5, 1911.
The second Capitol in Jefferson City was built in 1840 and remodeled after the Civil War to add wings for the House and Senate. The building was destroyed by fire after a lightning strike on Feb. 5, 1911.

With stone walls and an iron gate, the second Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City had a European influence architecturally. But it stood witness to most of Missouri's first century.

Today, however, motorists pass over its ruins, covered by the north drive of the third Capitol. Saturday marks the 100th anniversary of the second Capitol fire.

In tribute to the heroic efforts of the volunteer fire department of the day, the Jefferson City Fire Department will host up to 30 pieces of fire equipment from local and surrounding area stations.

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