Welcome to Jefferson City’s Old Munichburg!

Old Munichburg is Jefferson City, Missouri’s historic “South Side” neighborhood, and it’s well worth a visit! You’ll find first-class shopping, fine dining, lodging, and a big dose of German American hospitality!

History

Dating back to the nineteenth century, Old Munichburg is located within easy walking distance of the Missouri State Capitol and downtown Jefferson City—but once, it was connected to Jefferson City by a single bridge over Wears Creek. Settled by German immigrants escaping their homeland’s economic and political upheavals, the neighborhood was soon filled with unique brick homes, businesses, and churches.

Many of the early immigrants had come from the town of Münchberg, in Bavaria, and referred to their new home as “Münchberg” as well. Other Jefferson Citians overheard this term and misunderstood it as “Munichburg”—and the name stuck!

By the turn of the century, Munichburg had become a self-supporting community with its own fire department, inns, schools, and churches, its own dry goods, furniture, clothing hardware, and grocery stores—even its own brewery! 

Old Munichburg offered the newly arrived German immigrant a place where he could learn American customs and practice his English among other Germans, become a proud citizen of the United States, and also know his children would grow up with an appreciation for their German heritage. 

In the second half of the twentieth century, older residents passed on, many of their descendants moved away, and the neighborhood sadly began to deteriorate. Our mission is to revitalize this unique neighborhood.

Munichburg Today 

Today, Old Munichburg is being revitalized, building on its strengths—sturdy brick buildings, enduring business centers, attractive, hilly, tree-lined streets, and a strong neighborhood identity. Although most of its residents don’t speak German anymore, it remains a place where you can walk nearly everywhere you need to go—a solid neighborhood with flower beds and porch swings, where ice cream cones are available only a few blocks away. 

Old Munichburg was built with love and pride by hardworking German immigrants and is being brought back to life through the dedication of people who are determined that this historic area be preserved and appreciated. 

Where Is It? 

Old Munichburg comprises approximately fourteen blocks located south of the Rex Whitton Expressway (US 50/63); west of Monroe and Poplar streets; north of Franklin Street; and east of US 54 West. Throughout the district, banners with the Old Munichburg logo welcome you to our neighborhood.

Click here to see the map.