History of Independence, Missouri, USA

1841 - May 1 - 1st emigrant wagon train leaves Independence, Missouri for Calif

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May 1, 1841

1843 - May 22 - 1st wagon train, 1000+ depart Independence Missouri for Oregon

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1854 - Independence
Independence, a thriving town, capital of Jackson county, Missouri, is .situated 6 miles S. from Missouri river, and 165 miles W. by N. from Jefferson City. It is important as one of the starting points in the trade with New Mexico and Utah, and a place where many of the emigrants to Oregon and California procure their outfit. It is the centre of trade for a considerable extent of the surrounding country, which is extremely fertile. The prodigious tide of emigration which has passed through this place for about four years past, has created a demand for horses, provisions, and merchandise, at prices which have enriched the farmers and traders of this vicinity. It contains several churches, 3 hotels, and 2 newspaper offices. A railroad extends from the town to the river. Population in 1853, estimated at 2500.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1860 - EXTENSIVE CONFLAGRATION AT INDEPENDENCE, MO. HOTELS, STORES, AND DWELLINGS CONSUMED.
Independence, Mo., Friday, March 30 - 2 A.M.
A fire broke out here at about 11 o'clock last night, which thus far has consumed nearly the whole south side of the City, and should the wind continue or increase, it is feared that the west side will also be destroyed. Among the buildings burned are the Independence Hotel, two drug stores, ten or twelve business houses, and several dwellings. The loss thus far cannot be less than $100,000, and the fire is still raging.

Second Dispatch.
The fire of last night broke out in the drug store of JAMES BECKHAM, on the southeast corner of the public square, and in spite of all the exertions to stop it, it progressed until it destroyed every house on the east side and several dwellings in the immediate vicinity. The wind was blowing a gale at the time, and large flakes of fire were carried half a mile, several times setting fire to houses that distance from the conflagration. At least twenty substantial buildings were burned. The probable loss ... Read MORE...

1895 - Independence
Independence, a city, capital of Jackson co., Mo., on the Missouri Pacific and Wyandotte, Kansas City & North western Railroads, 10 miles E. of Kansas City, 4 miles S. of the Missouri River, and 272 miles W. of St. Louis. It contains 8 or 9 churches, seminaries for each sex, 4 banks, printing offices which issue 5 newspapers, a flouring-mill, a woollen-mill, a broom-factory, a foundry, a cigar-factory, and a planing-mill. It was formerly the place where many emigrants to California, Texas, &c., procured their outfits. Pop, in 1890, 6380.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1900 - BAD TRAIN WRECK. ACCIDENT OCCURED DURING A SNOW STORM. NEAR KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI. TWO OR MORE PERSONS WERE BURNED TO DEATH - SEVERAL WERE BADLY INJURED.
Kansas City, Mo., March 1. - The fast St. Louis day express, due to arrive in Kansas City at 5:45 this evening, was delayed by a freight train, which struck in a snow drift two miles south of Independence, Mo., about 12 miles out of Kansas City. The St. Louis local passenger train, running 40 minutes behind the fast express, came on through the blinding snow storm and crashed into the express train ahead, the engineer having failed in the driving snow to see the danger signal which the fast train had sent back.

The parlor car in the rear of the first train was literally cut in two. When Engineer FRANK RAYMOND and his fireman escaped from the wreck they crawled out through the windows of the parlor car. Fire added to the horrors of the wreck, coals from the furnace of the shattered engine having fallen among the debris of the splintered coach and soon the whole wreck was ablaze. Two or more persons, it is believed were burned. A list of the dead and seriously injured, so far as... Read MORE...

1916
Independence, a city, capital of Jackson co., Mo., on the Missouri Pacific and other railroads, 10 miles E. of Kansas City and 4 miles S. of the Missouri River. It has iron-foundries and machine-shops, various mills, and manufactures of flour, scales, etc. It has fruit-growing and canning-industries and is engaged in stock-breeding. Pop. in 1000, 6074.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Independence:
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum: Start your journey with a visit to the museum and library dedicated to America's 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. Explore the life and times of this remarkable leader, and gain insights into the challenges and triumphs of his presidency.

Harry S. Truman National Historic Site: Take a guided tour of the Truman Home, where President Truman lived for most of his life. It's a beautifully preserved glimpse into the past and a must-visit for history buffs.

Vaile Mansion: This stunning mansion is a testament to the opulence of the late 19th century. The Victorian architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens make it a great spot for history and architecture enthusiasts.

National Frontier Trails Museum: Discover the history of the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails that played a pivotal role in American westward expansion. Interactive exhibits and artifacts provide a deeper understanding of the pioneers who embarked on these... Read MORE...