The county seat is Jackson, not Cape Girardeau

Here is something that surprises newcomers. The biggest city in Cape Girardeau County is Cape Girardeau, on the Mississippi River. But it is not the county seat. The seat is Jackson, a separate city a few miles inland. The county courthouse and the main county offices sit in Jackson, not in the city of Cape Girardeau.

So if you need to handle court business, record a deed, or deal with the assessor, you may be headed to Jackson even if your home or property is in Cape Girardeau. The simplest step is to check first. Look up the exact office or court online, or call ahead, so you know which city to drive to before you make the trip. A quick phone call can save you a wasted drive.