The history of Missouri capitols

Abstract

"Before the nineteenth century few Americans or Europeans ventured into the land which came to be Missouri. Ordinarily it had been explorers, miners, and trappers who penetrated the wilderness. These adventurous men usually followed the waterways, although the rough Missouri River sometimes presented navigational hazards. They found beautiful country with rich natural resources and variety in physical features. Much of the fertile land was suitable for permanent settlement, containing wooded areas and abundant water resources. Primarily it was Indians who inhabited the area, although the French and Americans had established a few villages near the Mississippi River, notably Saint Louis, Sainte Genevieve, and Cape Girardeau. A significant American immigration had not taken place. Land titles were complicated by French and Spanish claims causing some uncertainty and settlers feared harassment from hostile Indians. But early in the nineteenth century an event cook place which removed all foreign claim upon a vast section of the land called Louisiana and accelerated the United States' western expansion."--from Prelude.