Cape Girardeau: It's the Perfect Size 

Community has rich history and modern, thriving community

Notable Facts

City was founded January 4, 1793. French-Canadian Louis Lorimier was given a trading permit by the Spanish Governor of Louisana and named Commandant of the newly-established Cape Girardeau district.

The town was incorporated July 23, 1808, prior to Missouri Statehood.

City charter (home rule) was adopted by election in November 1981.

The corporate area of the city covers 28.7 square miles, which includes 26 city parks, 278 acres of natural areas and 278 acres of county parks.

Cape's active Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1917.
Click here to learn more.

Business and industry

John Mehner, president
Cape Chamber of Commerce

Close to 2,000 businesses operate in Cape Girardeau, of which about 90 are manufacturing facilities. Cape Girardeau has more than 75 businesses that employ at least 100 workers. The total labor force within 40 miles of Cape Girarduea is more than 220,000 people, according to the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce.

Top employers include: Southeast Missouri Hospital and St. Francis Medical Center, each with 2,000 employees; Procter & Gamble Paper Products with 1350 employees and Southeast Missouri State University with 1250 employees.

Banking

There are more than 15 banks and 30 branches with assets exceeding $1.8 billion. There are several local stock and bond brokers NYSE.

Faith community

There are more than 100 area churches and temples representing all major faiths and denominations. Click here for a complete PDF list through the Cape Chamber

Clubs and organizations

More than 350 area civic, social, patroitic, religious and business clubs operate in Cape Girardeau