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Where is Independence, Missouri located?
- Independence, Missouri, is a beautiful city located within the Kansas City metropolitan region.
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What is Independence, Missouri best known for?
- Independence is best known as the former hometown of United States President Harry S. Truman, who served as a judge for Jackson County prior to his presidential election.
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What historic sites related to President Truman can visitors explore?
- Visitors can explore a number of historic attractions connected to the former president, including his longtime home and the courthouse where he worked prior to his election.
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What pioneer history can be explored in Independence?
- The region's connection to the pioneer-era California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails is explored at the Frontier Trails Museum.
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What religious historical sites are in Independence?
- Independence has a significant history with the Latter Day Saints church, which can be explored at:
- The Community of Christ International Headquarters Temple and Auditorium
- The Temple Lot site
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1. The Bingham Waggoner Estate
Tour elegant rooms and stroll garden paths on a peaceful spring history trip.
The Bingham Waggoner Estate is a beautiful 19-acre estate located within Independence Square near area attractions such as the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum. The well-preserved estate retains more than 90 percent of its original furnishings and is recognized as one of Western Missouri's most significant historical sites. It was originally plotted along the Santa Fe Trail in 1827 and served as the home of politician and artist George Caleb Bingham. In 1979, the home was purchased by the City of Independence and operates today as a living history museum facility, open to the public for guided tours and special events.
313 W Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-461-3491
2. The Harvey M. Vaile Mansion
Admire Victorian architecture and explore period furnishings on an affordable cultural outing.
The Harvey M. Vaile Mansion is a gorgeous estate that was originally constructed in 1881 for businessman and Colonel Harvey Merrick Vaile. The mansion is known as a prime example of Second Empire architecture, showcasing lavish design elements that made it known as the "showplace of Jackson County" in the 19th century. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969 and purchased by the City of Independence in 1983. Today, the 5.6-acre estate is operated as a living history museum facility and is open to the public for guided tours, showcasing the estate's stunning 48,000-gallon wine cellar and spectacular design elements such as nine marble fireplaces.
1500 N Liberty St, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-325-7430
3. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
Visit the former president’s home and discover his legacy on an educational trip.
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site preserves the former home of United States President Harry S. Truman along with several other properties throughout the Kansas City area connected to his life and legacy. The site, which was designated as a National Historic Site in 1983, is overseen by the National Park Service and is located on North Delaware Street in Independence. It served as Truman's home from the time of his marriage in 1919 to his death in 1972. Visitors can glimpse into the former president's life and work through preserved living history exhibits within the home, which recreate period-appropriate furnishings and display significant artifacts. Two adjacent homes belonging to Bess Truman's brothers are also preserved, along with the Noland Home, which formerly belonged to the president's aunt and cousins.
219 N Delaware St, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-254-2720
4. The National Frontier Trails Museum
Explore pioneer journeys and look at historic maps on a fun family trip.
The National Frontier Trails Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of America's three great historic western routes of the 19th century: the California, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails. The museum, which is located adjacent to the preserved 1879 Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot in Independence's downtown district, recounts the tale of all three routes' development and impact on pioneer and modern American history. Authentic pioneer-era covered wagons are showcased at the museum, along with trail artifacts, pioneer letters and diaries, and other 19th-century artifacts related to those who made the long, arduous journey westward on the trails in search of a better life. An award-winning documentary film is also showcased, along with a children's activity room offering interactive experiences for young visitors.
318 W Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-325-7575
5. The Midwest Genealogy Center
Research family roots and browse archives on a quiet retirement visit.
The Midwest Genealogy Center is one of the premiere resources for researching family history and genealogy in the United States, originally opened in 1971 as a room at the Independence Branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library system. In 2008, the center moved to its current independent location in the city's downtown district. Today, it is home to more than 52,000 square feet of resources connected to genealogy and family history and provides access to over three-quarters of a million onsite materials. Databases, oral history recording kits, microfilm readers, and digitization stations are offered for visitors to research their own family histories or learn about the lives and families of prominent historical figures in the region, including President Harry S. Truman.
3440 S Lee's Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055, Phone: 816-252-7228
6. Community of Christ International Headquarters Temple and Auditorium
Walk sacred grounds and admire stunning design on an unusual architectural outing.
Community of Christ International Headquarters Temple and Auditorium is a house of worship located within Independence's Temple Lot facility, originally opened to the public in 1958 after more than three decades of planning and construction. The lovely auditorium, which was constructed under the vision and supervision of Community of Christ President Frederick M. Smith, showcases a 5,800-seat chamber that is home to one of the United States' largest freestanding pipe organs, which contains 6,334 pipes. The Aeolian-Skinner organ is best known as the instrument used by famed organist John Obetz for his weekly radio program Auditorium Organ in the 20th century. Temple visitors can embark on self-guided tours and explore the Worshiper's Path, which showcases symbolic religious artwork, or take a moment for reflection within its Meditation Chapel, which is home to an award-winning stained-glass window and a museum showcasing artifacts related to church history.
1001 W Walnut St, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-833-1000
7. The 1879 Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot
Step into rail history and see vintage artifacts on a quick educational visit.
The 1879 Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot is believed to be Missouri's only restored two-story train depot, completely reconstructed and relocated from its original location in 1996 by the Friends of the Chicago and Alton Depot nonprofit organization, which was formed in response to the facility's potential demolition by the Gateway Western Railroad. Between 1996 and 2002, the depot was completely moved to its current location on the city's West Pacific Avenue. Today, it has been painstakingly restored to its historic condition and is open to the public as a living history museum facility. Visitors can explore the depot's three public first-floor rooms, which include a stationmaster's room, a waiting room, and a baggage room. Upstairs, a stationmaster's residence showcases 19th-century furnishings and artifacts. Guided tours are available throughout the year, along with open times during special events.
318 W Pacific Ave, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-325-7955
8. 1859 Jail, Marshal's Home and Museum
Tour old jail cells and explore frontier justice on an exciting historic trip.
1859 Jail, Marshal's Home and Museum preserves Independence's historic Jackson County Jail and Marshal's House building, which served the community between its construction in 1859 and its decommissioning in 1933. Since then, the facility has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been opened to the public as a living history museum. Visitors can explore the museum's historic limestone jail cells, county marshal residence, and chain gang facility and learn about the facility's history of use as a jail for military and civilian prisoners during the American Civil War. Exhibits and information also detail the facility's connection to notorious outlaws such as Frank James, the older brother of infamous outlaw Jesse James. The museum is open to the public seasonally between April and October, along with select seasonal times during December for holiday celebrations.
217 N Main St, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-252-1892
9. The Truman Courthouse
See the courtroom and explore civic history on an easy weekend outing.
The Truman Courthouse preserves the unique courthouse that once served as the sitting judicial facility for Harry S. Truman during his legal career, prior to his election as the President of the United States. The 1836 Colonial Revival-style building showcases beautiful architectural renovations designed by George Frederick Waller during the building's last restorational overhaul in 1933. Today, the building serves as a living history facility, showcasing the history of Truman's judicial career in Jackson County prior to his election. It also houses offices for Jackson County's Assessment, Collections, and Recorder of Deeds Department, along with facilities for the Jackson County Historical Society and the Independence Tourism Department. On the second floor, the facility's Jackson County Museum of Art is home to a substantial collection of works by regional artist and politician George Caleb Bingham.
112 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-881-3000
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant weather and blooming flowers.
Stoney Creek Hotel Kansas City - Independence – A rustic yet modern stay with great amenities.
Visit the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum – Learn about the life and presidency of Truman.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, great for historical tours.
Silver Heart Inn & Cottages – A charming bed & breakfast with a historic touch.
Explore the Independence Square – Shop, dine, and take a covered wagon tour.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and beautiful autumn colors.
Hilton Garden Inn Independence – A comfortable and convenient option.
Tour the Bingham-Waggoner Estate – Experience a well-preserved 19th-century mansion.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. The Bingham Waggoner Estate
- 2. The Harvey M. Vaile Mansion
- 3. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
- 4. The National Frontier Trails Museum
- 5. The Midwest Genealogy Center
- 6. Community of Christ International Headquarters Temple and Auditorium
- 7. The 1879 Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot
- 8. 1859 Jail, Marshal's Home and Museum
- 9. The Truman Courthouse