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.
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