Modern
Sites and Attractions of InterestHere
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 ) (...BACK)
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