Located in Jackson County, of which it is the county seat, the city of Jackson is the fifth biggest city in Missouri and one of just five cities in the state to have a population exceeding 100,000 people. Founded in 1827, Independence covers an area of 78.25 square miles and has an estimated population of 117,000.
The city is nicknamed 'Queen City of the Trails' as it was historically a key starting point for trails across America like the Oregon and California trails. Independence is part of the Kansas City metropolitan area and is classed as a satellite city of Kansas City. The city is a key location for the Mormon faith in Missouri, with the first ever Latter-Day Saint temple site, Temple Lot, being located in Independence.