Welcome to the City of Cape Girardeau

The History

Cape Girardeau was plotted and chartered in 1806, but its history goes back even further. Long before Europeans settled here, the area was home to many tribes of American Indians, including the Osage and Shawnee.

Two pioneers were instrumental in the founding of the city: The first was French soldier Jean B. Girardot. Around 1765, Girardot began boating down the thriver to trade with local Indians near a rock prominently overlooking the river -- now known as Cape Rock.

In 1793, French-Canadian trader Louis Lorimier set up a trading post at Cape Rock and was named commandant of the new District of Cape Girardeau. Two years later he received a land grant of 2,715 acres from the Spanish governor, which included the the future site of the city, south of his original trading post. In November 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark stopped at Lorimier's post on their way to St. Louis on their historic expedition.

Also in 1803, the region became an American possession through the Louisiana Purchase. Lorimier donated four acres for establishing a seat of justice. In 1806 the city was plotted and incorporated into a town in 1808. By 1835, Cape Girardeau had become a booming river town.

10 Things You Love About Your City

Jay Knudtson
Hometown: Rochester, Minn.
Years in Cape Girardeau: 20

10. SEMO District Fair -- Nothing beats eating a corn dog, smothered in mustard, while watching the Demolition Derby at the SEMO District Fair.

9. Our wonderful and historic riverfront -- The revitalization of our downtown is coming along nicely and our city's slogan, "Where the river turns a thousand tales," is being rewritten everyday!

8. SEMO Homecoming -- Everyone comes back to reunite with great friends and the town is filled with excitement and anticipation as our own Redhawk football team prepares to do battle on a beautiful fall day.

7. Cape's wonderful parks and commitment to recreation -- A parks system that is second to none and a Family Aquatics Center that is slated to open spring of 2010, thanks to the support of Cape's citizens!

6. Cape Girardeau loves the St. Louis Cardinals -- Chicago Cubs fans best beware!

5. Cape's entertainment opportunites are both vibrant and diverse -- whether it is enjoying a moonlit dinner at one of the many fine restaurants in Cape, attending an event at the Show Me Center or standing and applauding at a Broadway Musical at the beautiful new River Campus, Cape offers tremendous entertainment opportunities for everyone!

4. Cape is a "Medical Mecca" -- Major investments in people, facilities and resources by Saint Francis and Southeast hospitals have established Cape Girardeau as the leading medical community in the entire Midwest.

3. Cape is rich in churches and worship -- Cape is serious about our commitment to worship and offers wonderful venues for all.

2. Cape is a caring and compassionate community -- In times of trouble or disaster, everyone comes together to help their neighbor. Cape is a very giving community.

1. Cape is the regional hub for hundreds of thousands of people -- When returning from a trip and exiting off I--55 and traveling through our beautiful Cape County Park and cresting on the hill and seeing the breathtaking Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge on the horizon, I am reminded of the 100,000+ people that were in our city today and it makes me proud. Come join us in beautiful Cape Girardeau!

THINGS TO KNOW:

1. Water and sewer
Water and sewer service is provided by the City of Cape Girardeau. If you recently moved to Cape Girardeau and need to start a new account, visit the Customer Service Office at City Hall, 401 Independence, or call 573-339-6322 for more information.

2. Trash and recycling
Curbside trash and recycling pickups for residences are provided by the City of Cape Girardeau. If you live in a single-family home or duplex, you will receive two curbside pickups each week: One for solid waste and one for recyclables. Apartment complexes and businesses must use commercial trash haulers. For more information about pick-up days for your residence, visit Public Works online or call the Public Works Department's Solid Waste Division at 573-339-6351.

3. Electricity and natural gas
AmerenUE provides electric and natural gas service to Cape Girardeau. For information on rates and starting a new account, call 800-552-7583.

4. Telephone
To start a new account with AT&T/SBC, call 800-203-4040 Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. To start a new account with Big River Telephone Company, call 800-455-1608 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5. Cable TV
Charter Communications provides cable TV service for Cape Girardeau. To start a new account, call 888-871-4485 or visit their office at 623 S. Silver Springs Road, Suite 500.

6. Library
The newly renovated Cape Girardeau Public Library is located at 711 N. Clark St. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. (September through May only). The phone number is 573-334-5279.

CITY OFFICIALS
Jay B. Knudtson, mayor
Scott Meyer, city manager
City Council
John Voss, Ward 1
Charles J. Herbst, Ward 2
Debra A. Tracy, Ward 3
Loretta Schneider, Ward 4
Mark Lanzotti, Ward 5
Marcia K. Ritter, Ward 6