A trip to the state capital is a must-do for every third and fourth grade student. With an appointment, the family will be able to take a tour of the inside of the Governor's Mansion (pictured below, in winter). There are some intriguing stories, both inside and out, at the mansion, built before the Civil War.
Walking distance away is the capital building itself. It is always interesting, with its elaborate decor, display of historic artifacts, and an extensive and highly-valuable art collection. Famous Missourians are represented, along with the bell from the USS Missouri, the ship where the Japanese surrendered in World War 2. If a visitor times thing well, s/he might be able to sit in the Senate or House Chamber and watch the government at work. It really is shocking to realize how accessible the whole building is to the public.
If you know where to look, you can easily find the Thomas Hart Benton mural in the House Lounge. The mural spans the four walls of the large room. Benton, born in Neosho, Missouri, included some really ugly images in our history, choosing not to gloss over or hide some of the more unseemly events.
Outside the capital and along the waterfront of the Missouri River, are more displays to commemorate the beginnings of our nation, our veterans, and the law enforcement officers who have given their lives. The Spanish Cannon tube pictured below predates our state and our nation.
Between the Governor's Mansion and the Capitol is the Lewis and Clark display, funded several years ago by fourth grade students who collected monies for its construction. The statue includes some very interesting additions strewn across the rocks, including some equipment satchels and a representation of William Clark's journal, arguably the most valuable result of the Corps of Discovery expedition, commissioned by then-president Thomas Jefferson.
History is all around us in Missouri, and thankfully so. We have many nearby opportunities to help us learn from the past so we can be ready for the future.
