We visit the capital- Jefferson City

We have to go to Jefferson City to get Roland's social security number, so decide to make a day of it. This is a long weekend, it is Labour Day on monday, so we decide to go on friday.
The weather has turned cooler. It is perfect. Cool air and hot sun, just right for walking round.

The Capitol

Jefferson City is about 30 miles south of Fulton and is on the Missouri river. Just as you approach you get limestone escarpments before going down to the river valley.
 The first building you see as you cross the river is the state capitol. This is an enormous and impressive building and as usual classical in it's architecture. This one was built about 1910 and no money was spared. There is a lot of marble, both inside and out. Columns, to impress, murals and stained glass inside. I'm very impressed that we can scale the never ending steps outside and walk right in. No security.

Inside, looking up.

I would have taken more photos inside, but I thought they wouldn't come out.
The town, or city I should say is quiet, but there seem to be some interesting looking eating places and old brick buildings in the 'historic downtown area'. Lots of churches and then to Roland's delight we hear train noises. Those of you who may not be familiar with Roland and trains might like to know that it they produce a state of near ecstasy. It happens to british men of a certain age!!! He rushes down the hill towards the noises and we come to the rail track, which you can walk straight on to. An enormous western pacific train is just beginning to move and all it's nearly 200 carriages slowly roll by, building up speed as Roland gazes in admiration.

This made Roland's day! You have to understand these things.
Sadly the rail track was laid between the town and the Missouri river rather cutting of the view. The few 'historic' river buildings left from the days when river traffic was what kept the city going look rather silly bang up against the track instead of the river.
Roland decided he liked Jefferson city. I think it had a lot to do with the train and the fact he eat a rather large pizza for lunch.