It took us a solid three days of driving through what I call “the sea of land” that separates us from all of the places where we really want to be, and our first real attraction (after seeing miles and miles of lovely valleys, corn fields, soy fields, lovely hills, a few mountains and rivers…you get the idea) was one of the capitals that somehow we’ve missed as we’ve criss-crossed the country visiting at least 40 of the state capitals. The Missouri State Capital in Jefferson City is currently in a state of major renovation, so while it is supposed to look like this…

….it currently looks like this:

It took us a while to find an entrance, but it was indeed open, despite the appearance. And as a classically designed state capital, it has a stunning interior with an unusual double dome.

It also has the piano setting of my dreams, tucked under a magnificent marble staircase. The acoustics must be stunning.

Every state capital celebrates the important people of its state, and Missouri is no different. It has quite a few! With Scot Joplin, Carrie Nation and General Omar Bradley as examples, Missouri considers its citizens its most valuable resource.

Of all of these folk, I was most intrigued by someone I didn’t know. I’d never heard of Susan Elizabeth Blow, but I consider her work as founder of the American kindergarten movement one of the most important contributions ever made to education in the United States.

On to Kansas, and Monument Rocks, recently named one of the 8 Natural Wonders of Kansas!