In 97°F heat, we spent a day sightseeing in Independence, Missouri. A small town just a few miles from Kansas City, Independence had no shortage of history and sites to see. We rushed outside in the heat from one to the next and took our time inside each with air conditioning and information. We jumped around from the 1800’s to the 1900’s to modern day, getting a sampling of the city in different eras.
1827 log courthouse
Starting the furthest back, we visited a small log cabin built in 1827. At the time it was built, it was a courthouse for the city. A man won the bid to build the courthouse for $300, and his slave took two years in which to cut the lumber needed and construct the building (Missouri was a slave state at that time). The structure still has the original wooden beam walls and ceiling, although the floors are newer since dirt floors were the norm at the time. The courthouse was used for nearly 100 years, including a time in the 1930’s when Harry Truman held court. He managed land disputes and westward expansion issues here prior to the newer, permanent courthouse was built in the town square.
A hair wreath at the marshal’s home
The cell block with 6 cells on each floor, from the mid-1800’s
Moving forward a few years in time, we next toured an old jail and marshal’s home, built in 1859. Jackson County was one of the first cities to have both a sheriff and marshal, with the sheriff being elected and the marshal being elected. The marshal and his family lived in the house attached to the jail, which still contains much of the original furniture from the late 1800’s. The most interesting piece, which we had seen in one or two other old homes as well, was a hair wreath. Families would save the hair of their relative and create a wreath to honor them, displaying it prominently in a living or dining room.
Attached to the house was the jail, with six cells on each of two floors. Most cells were barren, with stone floors and walls and no window. However, one cell contained furnishings – a small bed and writing desk, a floor rug, a small shelf holding a few books and everyday items. This cell housed a celebrity of sorts – Frank James, who was Jesse James’ older brother. After Jesse James was killed, Frank negotiated with the marshal to turn himself in. He was allowed the furniture, could have guests in his cell at any time, and took most meals with the marshal and his family in their house. Frank was eventually released after his court hearing, and lived to an old age.
Clinton’s Soda Fountain
A block down the street is a soda shop with a long wooden bar, checkered flooring, and red vinyl chairs. The menu consists of ice cream, milkshakes, and homemade soda. Toward the back of the room, there’s a portrait of Harry Truman, 33th President of the USA. His first job was working at what is now Clinton’s Soda Fountain, but was previously Crown Drug Store. Since the day was so hot, Jon and I stopped in not only to see a bit of Truman’s history, but to refresh ourselves with a milkshake. Peanut butter was my choice, no surprise there, while Jon chose strawberry.
Burnt ends sandwich at Gates BBQ
Later in the day, after a siesta at our hotel, we ventured out for some Kansas City BBQ. We had asked a couple locals in the area who recommended Gates BBQ, about 20 minutes from where we were staying in Independence. We had a burnt ends sandwich, fries, and pasta salad – all delicious. It was my first time having Kansas City style BBQ, which I really enjoyed! This modern meal was a great way to round out our day of sightseeing in Independence.
Beginning with the trails out west, such as the Oregon Trail, and ending with a BBQ dinner, we traveled through time in Independence. We learned a little bit more about these points in American history, making the connections from one era to the next. These connections have allowed us to become closer to our roots in this country, absorbing the information and carrying it on to the next site, linking it all together to create a timeline of our history.