The Bizarre Reasons Missouri's Capital Has Burned Down

I've heard it said that if you fail to learn history, you are doomed to repeat it. That's why it's important that we all know that the Missouri capital building has burned to the ground twice and for strange reasons.

It's terrifying to think that I'm learning Missouri history from shorts on YouTube, but that's what happened today as History at a Glance just dropped this short and informative video about what happened to the Missouri capital building in Jefferson City in 1911.

Since I don't automatically trust the geniuses on YouTube, I verified this really did happen on February 5, 1911 confirmed by Missouri Life. Lightning struck the capital building which really did start a fire and the building was a complete loss.

But wait, there's more...

I also learned that the Missouri capital also burned down previously on November 15, 1837 when a fire burned for two days until the building was nothing but ashes. Missouri Life says that it's suspected that a cigar smoker was the cause.

Lightning and cigars can start fires? Yes, they can and the next time you drive by the Missouri capital building in Jefferson City, you will be reminded of these facts maybe.