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With a population of around 117,000, Independence, Missouri is a city in Jackson County known for its rich history and many attractions. Independence was originally inhabited by Native American tribes before becoming part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. The city was incorporated in 1849 and named after the Declaration of Independence. It gained prominence when it became the starting point for westward expansion along the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails in the mid 19th century.

History

Some key events and facts about Independence's history:

• 1827 - Independence was selected as the county seat of Jackson County.
• 1833 - The first courthouse was built in Independence.
• 1848 - Mormon leader Brigham Young designated Independence as the "center place" for Mormon settlement.
• 1849 - Independence incorporated as a city.
• 1850s - Independence was a major departure point for westward migration along the trail routes.
• 1862 - First train service came to Independence.
• 1863 - Both Union and Confederate forces occupied Independence during the Civil War.
• 1880s - Multiple railroads connected Independence providing transport for local coal mines and businesses.
• 1911 - The courthouse burned down from suspected arson. A new courthouse opened in 1916.
• 1925 - The Truman Library opened, the first presidential library in the country.
• 1970s - The city's population grew rapidly.
• 1980s - The National Frontier Trails Museum opened documenting westward expansion.

For more history, visit the Mid-Continent Public Library's section on local history.

Attractions and Landmarks

Some top attractions and landmarks in Independence include:

Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

This site preserves the longtime home of President Harry Truman and tells the story of his life and presidency. Key sites include:

• Truman Home - Guided tours of Truman's simple Victorian home.
• Truman Farm Home - Where Truman spent time when he was younger.
• Truman Library - The nation's first presidential library opened in 1957.
• Truman Courthouse - Truman's former courtroom and office.

500 W. U.S. Highway 24, Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 254-9929 - Website

Bingham-Waggoner Estate

Built in 1852, this historic 31-room mansion offers guided tours. The estate includes gardens, fountains, vines and orchards.

313 W. Pacific, Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 461-3491 - Website

National Frontier Trails Museum

This interactive museum documents the history of America's westward expansion and trailblazers. Exhibits cover the Santa Fe, Oregon and California trails.

318 W. Pacific Street, Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 325-7575 - Website

Independence Square

Historic central city square with the 1892 Jackson County Courthouse, shops, restaurants and annual events.

111 W. Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050 - Website

Vaile Mansion

This historic mansion built in 1881 offers tours showing its restored Victorian architecture and Civil War history.

1500 N. Liberty St, Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 254-3322 - Website

Truman Memorial Building

City hall building with a large dome dating back to 1894. Free tours available.

111 E. Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 325-7086 - Website

Economy

Some of the major employers and industries in Independence:

• Government - County government and school administration offices.
• Health Services - Centerpoint Medical Center and other health facilities.
• Education - Blue Springs School District, Fort Osage School District, and Truman School District offices.
• Finance - Citi, Waddell & Reed, and other financial companies.
• Technology - Government agencies and private data centers.
• Manufacturing - Food production, printing services, and assembly plants.
• Retail - Stores and restaurants located in Independence Center mall and throughout the city.

For more on the local economy, see the data from the Independence Chamber of Commerce.

Transportation

Independence enjoys access to excellent transportation infrastructure:

• Highways - Interstates 70 and 470 and other major highways.
• Rail - Served by the Kansas City Southern Railway and Union Pacific Railroad.
• Airports - Just 20 minutes from Kansas City International Airport.
• Public Transit - Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) provides bus service.

Public Library

Operated by the Mid-Continent Public Library system, the Independence Branch offers books, magazines, movies, computers, WiFi, kids programs, classes, and more.

215 N. Union St., Independence, MO - (816) 252-7228 - Website

Museums

Top museums in Independence include:

National Frontier Trails Museum

Covered earlier, this museum documents America's westward expansion.

Vaile Mansion

In addition to tours, the Vaile Mansion also includes some exhibits about 1800s life.

Puppetry Arts Institute

Unique museum with exhibits on the history of puppets and live puppet shows.

11025 E Winner Rd., Independence, MO 64052 - (816) 833-9777 - Website

Historic Independence Square

Dining, antiques, and shops in a historic town square setting.

Bass Pro Shops

Large outdoor mega store for fishing, hunting, camping, and other outdoor gear.

18001 Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO 64055 - (816) 268-0200 - Website

Parks and Recreation

Some of the top parks and recreation spots in Independence:

Santa Fe Trail Park

Historic park along the Santa Fe Trail with trails, sports fields, and community events.

200 Santa Fe Trail Dr, Independence, MO 64050 - Website

McCoy Park and Sports Complex

Large park with hiking trails, athletic fields, picnic sites, fishing, and more.

500 E. Park Rd, Independence, MO 64055 - Website

Pharaoh Cinema 4

Movie theater complex showing the latest films.

114 W. Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 461-7000 - Website

Sports Teams

Local sports fans enjoy following these teams:

Kansas City Mavericks

Minor league hockey team playing in the ECHL.

500 W. Santa Fe St, Independence, MO 64050 - Website

Kansas City Monarchs

Baseball team in the American Association of Professional Baseball.

1838 Swift Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116 - Website

Sporting Kansas City

Major League Soccer team with games in neighboring Kansas City.

One Sporting Way, Kansas City, KS 66111 - Website

Annual Events

Popular annual events held in Independence include:

• Independence Uptown Market - Outdoor market on the Independence Square during summer.
• Blues Brews and BBQ Festival - BBQ, beer, and blues music in June.
• 4th of July Celebration - Parade, festival, and fireworks.
• Santa Cali Gon Days Festival - Labor Day festival with carnival, parades, and entertainment.
• Vaile Victorian Christmas - Holiday decor and activities at the Vaile Mansion in December.

For a full event calendar, see the Visit Independence site.

Public Services

City Government

Independence City Hall - 111 E Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 325-7000 - Website

Police Department

Independence Police Department - 223 N. Memorial Dr., Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 836-3600 - Website

Fire Department

Independence Fire Department - 10409 E. 23rd St. S., Independence, MO 64052 - (816) 325-7123 - Website

Public Works

Independence Public Works - 815 W. College St., Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 325-7600 ‐ Website

Education

Public education in Independence is provided by these school districts:

Independence School District

201 N. Forest Ave., Independence, MO 64050 - (816) 521-5300 - Website

Fort Osage School District

2101 N. Osage St., Independence, MO 64058 - (816) 650-7000 - Website

Blue Springs School District

1801 NW Vesper St., Blue Springs, MO 64015 - (816) 224-1300 - Website

In addition, several private and charter schools operate within the city limits.

Healthcare

Medical facilities in Independence include:

Centerpoint Medical Center

Major hospital and ER services.

19600 E 39th St S, Independence, MO 64057 - (816) 698-7000 - Website

Various clinic and urgent care locations

Such as the Little Blue Valley Clinic, Independence Urgent Care, Concentra Urgent Care, and more.

Community Resources

Other local resources include:

• Visit Independence - Tourism bureau and visitor information.
• Independence Chamber of Commerce - Networking, promotion, and development for local businesses.
• Independence City Facebook - Official city Facebook page.
• Midwest Genealogy Center - Major family history and genealogy library.
• Community Services League - Services for homelessness, hunger, and hardship.

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