First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site - St. Charles, MO
Posted by: YoSam.
N 38° 46.801 W 090° 28.914
15S E 718735 N 4295376
Known as Peck's Row, used as capitol while the site for Jefferson City was found, platted and construction completed on new buildings for govenrment.
Waymark Code: WM12B5R
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 04/18/2020
Views: 1
County of site: St. Charles County
location of site: S. Main St. & Madison St., St. Charles
Built: before 1819
Before use as Capitol buildings known as Peck's Row
"On Aug. 10, 1821, Missouri Became the 24th state of the United States. Peck Row in St. Charles served as the temporary Capitol of Missouri for just over five years, from 1821 to 1826. The promise of free rent, spacious accommodations, close proximity to St. Louis, and access to the Missouri River and Boone's Lick Road brought the capital to St. Charles. Meanwhile the permanent capital of Jefferson City was being constructed in the middle of the state.
"Struggle for Statehood
In 1820, as part of the "Missouri Compromise," Missouri and Maine tried to enter the United States together to preserve the balance between slave states and free states. Maine became a state immediately. Missouri's constitution prohibited the entrance of "free Negroes and mulattos" into the state. That clause violated interstate travel clauses in the U.S. Constitution, so Missouri's constitution was rejected, In a special session, the legislature began meeting in St. Charles and made corrections to the state constitution (the "Solemn Public Oath"). After a 17-month ordeal, Missouri became a state.
"While n St. Charles, the legislature passed the "Solemn Public Oath," abolished debtors' prison, created the sate seal and chose Jefferson City to be Missouri's permanent capital.
"Restoration of the First State Capitol
Charles Peck, Ruluff Peck and his wife, Adeline, and Chauncy Shepherd owned the Capitol building in St. Charles. The rooms were rented, now owned, by the state. The legislative rooms, governor's office, and the Peck store and residence have been restored to period style.
"The Capitol buildings were privately owned until Missouri bought them in 1961. After ten years of restoration, the Capitol re-opened as the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site.
"The Missouri Department of Natural Resources administers the historic site, which is open to the public year-round. For site hours and tour availability, call (636) 940-3322." ~ Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks