Black History Month Celebrates Historic Sites and Attractions

Ghosts of Civil War soldiers, gold miners heading to the fabled California coast, and former slaves who helped build up the frontier settlement of Independence, Missouri seem to roam the historic buildings and landscape in this modern-day place. Just minutes east of Kansas City lies the city of Independence, once a booming pioneer town on the edge of civilization and the jumping off point for the California, Oregon and Santa Fe westward trails.

Many early residents of Independence emigrated from the South and quite naturally brought their slaves with them. It was common for slaves to be bought and sold on the old courthouse steps. Although there are few records of the names of these slaves, their legacy lives on in the proud finished products of their labor. Slaves were instrumental in the building of roads that were required for the westward expansion. They also were often responsible for the excellent craftsmanship that was reflected in early brick homes and buildings in Independence. One structure, crafted out of large native limestone squares, was the 1859 Jail, 217 N. Main, still standing and open for tours today. It was built in three months, an almost unheard of feat for such a substantial building.

But slaves were not the only African American people who came to Independence. Free black pioneers found their way here as well, including a number who became the town's leading citizens. Perhaps the most influential of the free blacks was a man named Hiram Young, who, with his wife, opened what would become one of the most successful blacksmith shops in the city. Hiram was known for opening his home to ethnic minorities such as Irish immigrants. He also purchased slaves in order to grant them their freedom. Hiram was a great believer in education and was a founder of a public school for black children.

Another famous black citizens was Emily Fisher, who operated a successful hotel on the Square. Her hotel was known for its outstanding service and became very popular with travelers along the westward trails. She also invented an ointment that proved to have good healing qualities. Emily donated bricks for the building of the Second Baptist Church, 116 E. White Oak, still standing and being used today as a house of worship.

After the Civil War, blacks had a difficult time finding employment and a number of discouraged men turned to crime. When a nun named Sister Mary Jerome Shubrick discovered the miserable conditions in the county jail among blacks, she began visiting them, smuggling in food and books to share. She also wrote letters to their families for them. Because she was so loved and trusted, she was given her own key to the jail. When she died in 1894, her tombstone read: "The Prisoner's Friend".

Here we've compiled a list of a few of Independence's most notable historic attractions and sites. When you visit Missouri, make sure to search out and stop at the following places which offer ties to African-American legacy and celebrate in black heritage.

The 1827 Log Courthouse - 107 W. Kansas Avenue, for many years the only Courthouse between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean. This building was constructed by slave Samuel Shepherd and its sturdy walnut timbers served for a time as the courtroom by Administrative Judge Harry Truman before he became President of the United States. The courthouse is closed November-March for the winter.There is no phone at the courthouse, but information is available by calling Tourism at 816-325-7111 or toll free at 800-748-7323.

The 1859 Jail - 217 N. Main, which operated as the county jail from pre-Civil War time through 1910. The jail was also built by noted slaves who were master stonemasons. The 2 foot thick limestone walls housed famous guerillas such as William Clark Quantrill of Quantrill's Raiders, Southern sympathizers during the Civil War and famous outlaws like Frank James, brother of Jesse James, and a leader of the James Gang. For more information, phone 816-252-1892 or visit www.jchs.org.

Woodlawn Cemetery - 701 W. Noland Road, which is the final resting place of many prominent black citizens of Independence.

The National Frontier Trails Museum - 318 W. Pacific, which, in addition to major displays about the westward trails, mountain men and trappers, houses an exhibit of interest. Entitled: "I Remain Your Affectionate Wife," the exhibit spotlights seven original letters to a free black man who followed the California trail. The Gold Rush captured the imagination of the entire nation. Thousand of enterprising people filled with hopes and dreams of wealth migrated to California to "strike it rich." Among these emigrants was David Brown, an African-American who settled in California. Left behind in Ohio was his wife, Rachel Brown. In these extraordinary letters, she describes her life without her man, her loneliness, and her hopes for a future life with David. Sadly, David and Rachel were never re-united. Admission is $6.00 per person. For more information phone 816-325-7575 or visit www.frontiertrailscenter.com.

The Truman Presidential Museum and Library - 500 U.S. 24 Highway, offers a glimpse into modern black history in a permanent exhibit where the desegregation of the armed forces is explored. One of the interactive "decision theaters" also includes a segment which explains Truman's actions in pursuing desegregation, an act which was highly controversial at the time. Museum admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors, $3 youth, under 6 free. Fore more information phone 816-268-8200 or visit www.trumanlibrary.com.

(Source: Independence Tourism )