The Missouri River's eastern bank provides St. Joseph's setting at roughly 850 feet elevation in northwestern Missouri. This city of 72,000 sits where the river bends sharply south, creating a strategic location that drove 19th-century development. Humid continental climate creates cold winters averaging around 25°F with substantial snow, and hot, humid summers reaching the upper 80s. Bluffs rise above the river valley on both sides, with the city occupying the elevated ground east of the water. St. Joseph developed as a major river port and western outfitting post, maintaining historic architecture in the downtown district.
