Part of the Kansas City metropolitan area, Independence is, well, an independent city in Missouri with captivating history and unique places to visit.
“You can’t talk about the city of Independence without what put it on the map in the first place. It was the jumping off point to the West,” says Frank Buhro, historic site and volunteer manager for Independence Parks/Recreation/Tourism. “It was the last of civilization for the pioneers seeking a better life. They left Independence on the long journeys on the California, Santa Fe and Oregon trails. The story of each of these is told at the National Frontier Trails Museum and the Pioneer Trails Adventure, where they offer covered wagon rides.”
Independence was home to Harry S. Truman and has many sites that tell of the former president’s life, including the Truman Depot, the Truman Memorial Building and the Truman Walking Trail.
“The sites show his connections growing up in the area and the impact it had on his later decisions. Visitors can explore Clinton’s Soda Fountain, where he had his first job. And for the fuller experience, there are tours of the Truman home, the Truman Courthouse and the Truman Library and Museum,” Buhro says.
One of the city’s most unique finds is Leila’s Hair Museum. With more than 600 wreaths and 2,000 pieces of jewelry made from human hair on display, the museum offers a tour that teaches the braiding techniques used to make Victorian hair art.
“This art was started as a way of remembering loved ones and paying tribute to them before there were photos. Leila has quite the collection,” Buhro says. “There truly is nothing like it.”
For more information, email Buhro or go to visitindependence.com.
Top photo: Leila’s Hair Museum
Photo by visitindependence.com
