Cole County, Missouri
Jefferson City, the state capital, sits at the center of Cole County and has served as Missouri’s seat of government since 1826. The striking Missouri State Capitol dominates the skyline, its dome visible from miles away.
Cole County lies in the middle of the state, straddling the Missouri River. Yet the area is more than politics and government offices. Residents and visitors alike enjoy spending weekends on the Katy Trail State Park, one of the country’s longest rail-trails.
Beyond the urban core, city streets gradually give way to open farmland and rolling countryside. It’s a place where historic institutions, outdoor recreation, and small-town traditions still share the same landscape—from crisp autumn evenings to high school football games beneath the Friday night lights.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Cole County |
| County Seat | Jefferson City |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Jefferson City, Taos, Wardsville, St. Martins, Lohman, Centertown, Russellville, St. Thomas |
| Interstates and Highways | US-50, US-54, US-63, MO-179 |
| Etymology | Named after Silas Wright, a U.S. Senator from New York |
| FIPS Code | 29-051 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 402 sq mi (land: 394 sq mi, water: 8 sq mi) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CT) |
| State | Missouri |
| Coordinates | 38.5012° N, 92.2530° W |
| Etymology | Named after Stephen Cole, an early settler of the region |
| Major Landmarks | Missouri State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, Missouri State Penitentiary Museum |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Boone County (North), Callaway County (Northeast), Osage County (Southeast), Miller County (Southwest), Moniteau County (Northwest) |
