Independence was the hometown of President Harry S Truman, which has made it one of Missouri's most historic cities. During the Civil War, Union and Confederate armies occupied the town. Independence also has numerous Mormon Heritage sites including the 1827 Log Courthouse and National Frontier Trails Museum.
This two-storey 1859 Jackson County Jail, features barred windows, double iron doors and leg chains. It once housed Frank James, Jesse James notorious brother. Special exhibits such as a collection of confiscated handmade weapons are on display.
Hours:
March 1 to March 31: 10am-4pm; Closed: Sun
April 1 to October 31: 10am-5pm; Sun:1pm-4pm; Closed: Sun
November 1 to December 31: 10am-4pm; Closed: Sun, Sun
Built in 1855, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate was once owned by George C. Bingham, famed Civil War artist. The Waggoner family owned the home from 1879-1978.
The estate has a complete schedule of events throughout the year.
Address: Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 West Pacific Avenue, Independence, MO 64050-4303, United States
Phone: 1 (816) 461-3491, Fax: 1 (816) 461-1540
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 10am-4pm; Sun:1pm-4pm
November 27 to December 30: 10am-4pm; Sun:1pm-4pm
Always closed on: Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Historic and artistic objects are displayed at the Harry S Truman Library and Museum in Independence. Truman's career and U S history is highlighted covering the period of 1945 to 1953. A replica of Truman's office in the White House is on display, and President and Mrs Truman's graves are in the courtyard.
Address: Harry S Truman Library and Museum, 500 West US Highway 24, Independence, MO 64050-1798, United States
Phone: 1 (816) 268-8200, Fax: 1 (816) 268-8295
Hours:
May 1 to September 30: 9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Thu:9am-9pm
October 1 to April 30: 9am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
This Victorian house was the Truman family home from 1919 until his death in 1972. The Harry S Truman National Historic Site is filled with furnishings and other Truman family possessions.
Address: Harry S Truman National Historic Site, 223 North Main Street, Independence, MO 64050-2804, United States
Phone: 1 (816) 254-9929, Fax: 1 (816) 254-4491
Hours:
May 25 to September 3: 9am-5pm
September 4 to May 24: 9am-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Frontier Trails Museum and research library is devoted to the history of the overland trails. There are 2 films available for viewing, as well as an exhibit gallery featuring the history of the Lewis and Clark Trail, the Oregon Trail, the Santa Fe Trail, the California Trail and the Mormon Trail.
The world headquarters of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints offers daily recitals from June through August. The Temple has 102-rank organ.
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 9am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-5pm; Closed: Sun
November 1 to March 31: 9am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-5pm; Sun:10am-12:30pm, 1:30pm-4pm; Closed: Sun
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), New Year's Eve (December 31), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
This 31-room Vaile Mansion was built in 1881 by Colonel and Mrs. Harvey Vaile. This Second Empire style home features 9 marble fireplaces, painted ceilings, flushing toilets, and a built-in 6,000 gallon water tank.