Travel throughout Jefferson City and go back in time to learn about the Missouri State Capital's role in the Civil War. The Civil War in Jefferson City was not fought on the battlefield, but rather in the political arena. Decisions made by governors, legislators and generals, who met in Jefferson City, affected the course of the war in every part of the state. Most major Civil War figures in Missouri, including generals Grant, Fremont, Price and Lyons lived in Jefferson City at some point during the war. 

The Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau's Civil War Passport lists 10 sites where you'll find out more about the Civil War. The sites include the Museum of Missouri Military History, National Cemetery (which holds both Union and Confederate soldiers and is one of only three cemeteries in the country to do so), Lincoln University Soldiers Memorial Plaza, Cole County Historical Society, Rozier Gallery, Missouri State Museum, Missouri State Archives, Dulle House, General Parsons Monument and the Farm Bureau Log Home.

  While the passport is an informational brochure, it is also an opportunity to interact with the sites. The Bureau has organized a contest to encourage the public to visit and explore the sites.  To be entered into the contest, one must visit at least five of the 10 sites and either answer correctly the corresponding trivia question or take a photograph of himself at the site and upload it to the Jefferson City CVB's facebook page (www.facebook.com/visitjeffersoncity).

Passports must be completed before September 1, 2012. Pick up your copy at the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (100 E. High) or get it online at www.VisitJeffersonCity.com/contact/civilwar. The Bureau produced this brochure in cooperation with the Jefferson City News Tribune; copies are also available at the News Tribune (210 Madison Street). 

Premier Management Inc., along with Baymont Inn and Suites and Marriott, recently announced major changes to its two Jefferson City hotels.  The former Hotel DeVille has reopened as a Baymont Inn and Suites and Fairfield Inn will be reopening, after a complete renovation, as a Fairfield Inn and Suites. 

The new Baymont Inn & Suites opened its doors on December 20, 2010. The hotel has undergone a renovation, in order to ensure the level of quality that guests have come to expect from Wyndham Hotels. This exciting renovation comes with new perks and offerings such as a free breakfast featuring waffles at the Baymont Breakfast CornerSM, new comfort bedding packages and stylishly updated rooms. There is also a new eclectic full-service lounge on site, R Bar; meeting space that can accommodate up to 100 people and ample reception space for weekend events.  The Baymont Inn & Suites is in downtown Jefferson City at 319 W. Miller Street, conveniently located near the Missouri State Capital.

Fairfield Inn and Suites' renovation and transformation will be completed this month. With the standard of quality travelers have come to expect from the Marriott name in mind, Fairfield Inn & Suites will continue to exceed expectations. The beds feature extra-comfortable mattresses, down blankets and crisp clean linens. Each spacious room also has a large work area complete with an ergonomic desk and chair, free high speed internet and a large flat screen television.  In addition, the hotel has an on-site fitness center and indoor pool. The Fairfield Inn & Suites is located at 3621 Truman Boulevard.

The general manager of Baymont Inn and Suites is Ryan Evans and the director of sales is Derl Warren.  Fairfield Inn and Suites' general manager is Aaron Friedewald and the director of sales is Derl Warren. Both properties are operated by Premier Management, including Mark Randolph, a Jefferson City Resident.  For more information, contact Warren at (573) 761-0400 or go to www.pmihotels.com.