Cape Girardeau is a beautiful waterfront retirement community in Eastern Missouri.

Cape Girardeau MO History

Two men were essential in the founding of the city of Cape Girardeau. The first was French soldier Jean B. Girardot who decided it was a suitable place to station his trading post. More than 20 Indian tribes lived in the area. Trappers and river travelers also discovered "Cape Girardot" and the world's first inland Cape was born. Sixty years later, Louis Lorimier was sent by the Spanish Governor General to establish a military post. The post grew under Lorimier's leadership and he is the man credited for founding Cape Girardeau. In 1803 the region became an American possession because of the Louisiana Purchase.

By 1835, Cape Girardeau had become a river boomtown with the busiest port between St. Louis and Memphis. During the Civil War, Union forces occupied Cape Girardeau. Four forts were built to protect the city. Though a minor battle was fought just outside Cape, the city was spared much damage.

Cape Girardeau Missouri – Popular Retirement Area

Today, the Cape Girardeau MO area has more than 150 industries employing more than 10,000 workers and it is a popular retirement area. It is also the hometown of radio personality and author Rush Limbaugh and author David Limbaugh.