The fourth largest city in Missouri, Independence is the seat of government for Jackson County, and part of the Kansas City metropolitan region. The city is known as the Queen City of the Trails, as it was a point of departure for the California, Oregon and Santa Fe Trails. Independence was also the hometown of US President Harry S. Truman and his wife, Bess Truman, the actress Ginger Rogers. The city of Independence was founded in 1827, and named for the Declaration of Independence. Located near the convergence of the Kansas River with the Missouri River, Independence was the farthest point westward on the Missouri River where steamboats or other cargo vessels could travel. In 1831, Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, declared a spot west of the Courthouse Square in Independence to be the place for the prophesied Temple of the New Jerusalem, which would be in place prior to the Second Coming of Christ. However, the Latter Day Saints were driven from the area in 1833, as a precursor to the 1838 Mormon War. Branches of the Mormon Church returned to the city beginning in 1867, some making their headquarters there. Independence became a home-rule city in 1849. Two significant Civil War Battles took place in Independence. The first was in August of 1862, Confederate troops took control of the town, and the second, in October of 1864, also resulted in a Confederate victory. Independence was badly damaged during the war, and was never able to regain its previous position of prosperity, with nearby Kansas City becoming the dominant center of commerce.
Categories
Education & InstructionFaith & SpiritualityHealth & Public Safety | Places to StayThings to Do & Places to Go |
Recommended Resources
Chartered and meeting at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Independence, Missouri, Troop 226 is a member of the Blue Elk District of the Heart of America Council of the Boy Scouts of America youth organization. Meeting schedules, a calendar of upcoming events, information about scout camp, and access to various documents and forms are featured.
http://bsa226.scoutlander.com/
Affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America, the Independence, Missouri Boy Scout troop meets each Monday evening at Trinity Episcopal Church, its chartering organization. General information about scouting is posted, along with a history of Troop 282, a calendar of events, and photographs.
http://www.troop282.com/
Independence is the county seat of Jackson County, and the fourth largest city in Missouri. The official municipal web site offers a variety of online services, including utility payments, business licensing data, payment of traffic and parking fines, and food handler permits. Administrative and departmental contacts are posted, along with meeting agendas and minutes.
http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/
Independence Chamber of Commerce
Headquartered on Independence Square, the non-profit organization represents its membership, consisting of area business owners and professional people. The benefits of membership are outlined, along with a member directory, Chamber schedules, a calendar of events, and other resources.
http://www.ichamber.biz/
Independence School Nurses Lions Club
Meeting on the third Friday of each month at Bingham Middle School, in Independence, Missouri, the service organization is part of District 26-M-5 of Lions Clubs International. Its officers, contacts, and a schedule of activities are posted.
http://independenceschoolnursesmo.lionwap.org/
The Independence, Missouri pawn shop offers a variety of products, including firearms, jewelry, coins, electronics, musical instruments, tools, and other items, which are highlighted here, along with special offers, its loan policies, hours, and contacts.
http://shopnpawn.com/
The auto repair shop in Independence, Missouri offers car battery services, auto air conditioning and heater repairs, oil changes, and brake repairs. Its location, services, hours, and contacts are posted, and discount coupons may be posted to the site.
http://www.independencemoautorepairshop.com/
