Courtesy City of Independence
From the back of Ralph Goldsmith’s mule-drawn wagon, you see the town of Independence in a whole new way.
Situated just east of Kansas City, Independence is known as the beginning of the frontier trail system and later the hometown of Harry Truman. Goldsmith, owner of Pioneer Trails Adventures, points out sites related to these and other historic moments in Independence as he takes groups on wagon rides through the city.
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| Courtesy Missouri Tourism |
Along part of the ride, Goldsmith tells groups about the masses of travelers who came through Independence on their way to the Oregon, California and Santa Fe trails.
“Between 1849 and 1850, they claim there were 3 square miles of people around the city preparing to head west,” he said. “They say it was the largest voluntary migration in human history.”
During the ride, the mules and wagon turn down a street that was originally part of the Oregon Trail. The street runs through a swale created by pioneer wagons, and the higher ground on either side indicates just how great an impact this horse-drawn traffic had on the land.
Frank James and Harry Truman
Near the town square, the wagon passes the 1859 Jail, and Goldsmith tells the story of when outlaw Frank James, brother of Jesse James, was held there. Groups can also visit the jail itself, where they can walk into James’ cell and learn about the building’s interesting history and architecture.
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| Courtesy Missouri Tourism |
“It was built to look like a house, because they didn’t think you should have to look at a jail,” said Steve Noll, executive director of the Jackson County Historical Society, which operates the historic site. “Nobody has jails like this, because they usually demolished them when they were taken out of service.”
There are also a number of Truman sites in the area. Truman spent most of his life in Independence, and the wagon ride makes a stop at Clinton’s Soda Fountain, where the president-to-be worked while in high school. Not far away, the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site preserves the home in which the president and his wife, Bess, lived for decades.
“The park service has done a really good job of making it look like they still live here,” said Janeen Aggen, media relations manager for the city of Independence. “The china that they ate meals on is still on the table.”
Although it’s not featured on the wagon ride, groups visiting Independence should also make a stop at the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum, which houses Truman’s archives and a museum about his life and times.
Groups visiting the museum will see exhibits on Truman’s life in Independence, as well as material dealing with the issues he faced during his presidency. A tour of the library also includes a view of the office in the building where Truman worked after his presidency and the Trumans’ graves in the courtyard.
This year, the museum is hosting a special exhibit about the Korean War.
“It’s intended to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War,” said Ray Geselbracht, special assistant to the director at the museum. “The core of the exhibit is all about personal stories. It’s about soldiers and their experiences.”
More Missouri Special Section:
Missouri Photo Slideshow
Branson breaks new ground
Hannibal as America’s hometown
At the trailhead in Independence
Kansas City’s power and light
St. Charles turns on the charm
St. Louis is a city for the senses
The Jesse James connection
