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Independence, Missouri
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Independence is a city in Clay and Jackson counties in the U.S. state of Missouri, and the fourth largest city in the state. It is part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Located primarily in Jackson County, the city had a total population of 110,704 in 2007. Independence is one of two county seats of Jackson County, and is known as the "Queen City of the Trails" on account of having been the point of departure of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. The city also played a pivotal role in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement, and is home to the denominational headquarters of several Latter Day Saint groups, most notably the Community of Christ, whose Temple is located there.
pendence was originally inhabited by Missouri and Osage Indians, followed by the Spanish and a brief French tenure.
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Encyclopedia
Independence is a city in Clay and Jackson counties in the U.S. state of Missouri, and the fourth largest city in the state. It is part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Located primarily in Jackson County, the city had a total population of 110,704 in 2007. Independence is one of two county seats of Jackson County, and is known as the "Queen City of the Trails" on account of having been the point of departure of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails. The city also played a pivotal role in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement, and is home to the denominational headquarters of several Latter Day Saint groups, most notably the Community of Christ, whose Temple is located there.
History
Independence was originally inhabited by Missouri and Osage Indians, followed by the Spanish and a brief French tenure. It became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Lewis and Clark recorded in their journals that they stopped in 1804 to pick plums, raspberries, and wild apples at a site that would later form part of the city.
Independence was founded on March 29, 1827 and quickly became an important frontier town. Independence was the farthest point westward on the Missouri River where steamboats or other cargo vessels could travel, due to the convergence of the Kansas River with the Missouri River approximately six miles west of town, near the current Kansas-Missouri border. Independence immediately became a jumping-off point for the emerging fur trade, accommodating merchants and adventurers beginning the long trek westward on the Santa Fe Trail.
In 1831, members of the Latter Day Saint movement began moving to the Jackson County, Missouri area. Shortly thereafter, Joseph Smith, Jr., their prophet, declared a spot just west of Courthouse Square to be the place for his prophesied temple of the New Jerusalem, in expectation of the Second Coming of Christ. Tension grew with local Missourians until finally the Latter-Day Saints were driven from the area. Several branches of this movement would gradually return to the city, with many making their headquarters there. These included the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), the Restoration Branches and the Church of Christ (Temple Lot).
Independence saw great prosperity from the late 1830s through the mid-1840s, while the business of outfitting pioneers boomed. Between 1848 and 1868, it was a hub of the Central Route to California. On March 8, 1849, the Missouri General Assembly granted a home-rule charter to the town and on July 18, 1849, William McCoy was elected as its first mayor. In the mid-1800s an Act of the United States Congress defined Independence as the start of the Oregon Trail.
Independence saw two important battles during the Civil War: the first on August 11, 1862 when Confederate soldiers took control of the town, and the second in October 1864, which also resulted in a Southern victory. The war took its toll on Independence and the town was never able to regain its previous prosperity, although a flurry of building activity took place soon after the war. The rise of nearby Kansas City also contributed to the town's relegation to a place of secondary prominence in Jackson County, though Independence has retained its position as county seat until the present day.
President Harry S. Truman grew up in Independence, and in 1922 was elected judge of the County Court of Jackson County, Missouri (an administrative, not judicial, post). Although he was defeated for reelection in 1924, he won back the office in 1926 and was reelected in 1930. Truman performed his duties diligently, and won personal acclaim for several popular public works projects, including an extensive series of fine roads for the growing use of automobiles, the building of a new County Court building in Independence, and a series of twelve Madonna of the Trail monuments to pioneer women dedicated across the country in 1928 and 1929. He would later return to the city after two terms as President. His wife, First Lady Bess Truman, was born and raised in Independence, and both are buried there. The Harry S Truman National Historic Site (Truman's home) and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum are both located in Independence, as is one of Truman's boyhood residences.
Independence continues to be of great importance to the Latter Day Saint movement and is the headquarters of the Community of Christ. This denomination, the second-largest in the Latter Day Saint movement, has built a striking temple in Independence, and also maintains a large auditorium and other buildings nearby. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons") operates a sizable visitors' center adjacent to the Community of Christ Temple, which is located directly across the street from the original Temple Lot designated by Joseph Smith in 1830. The Lot itself is occupied by a small white-frame church building that serves as the headquarters and local meeting house for the Church of Christ (Temple Lot).
Geography
Independence is located at (39.079805, -94.406551). It lies on the south bank of the Missouri River, near the western edge of the state.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 78.4 square miles (203.2 kmē), of which, 78.3 square miles (202.9 kmē) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 kmē) of it (0.17%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 113,288 people, 47,390 households, and 30,566 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,446.3 people per square mile (558.4/kmē). There were 50,213 housing units at an average density of 641.1/sq mi (247.5/kmē). Independence has a population of 111,806 in 1980 and 112,301 in 1990. The racial makeup of the city was 91.87% White, 2.59% African American, 0.70% Asian, 0.64% Native American, 0.46% Pacific Islander, 1.43% from other races, and 2.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.69% of the population.
There were 47,390 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the city the population was spread out with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $38,012, and the median income for a family was $45,876. Males had a median income of $34,138 versus $25,948 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,384. About 6.4% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.
Education
Schools
Four school districts have areas within the city: Independence, Blue Springs, Fort Osage Schools, and Raytown. Four public high schools are located within the city limits: Fort Osage High School, Truman High School, Van Horn High School, and William Chrisman High School; and one private high school: St. Mary's High School. The private Center Place Restortion school also offers High School.
Prior to Fall 2008, parts of western Independence in the Van Horn feeder pattern resided in the Kansas City, Missouri School District, but all of these students are now part of the Independence school district.
Colleges and universities
Libraries
Media
Newspapers
Television
- KSMO-TV 62 - My Network TV affiliate operates a transmitter tower in western Independence, south of MO-12/Truman Rd.
Arts and culture
Festivals
- Santa-Cali-Gon Days is an annual Labor Day festival held in Independence intermittently since 1940 and continuously since 1973, celebrating the city's heritage as the starting point of three major frontier trails: the Santa Fe, California and Oregon. The Santa-Cali-Gon celebration has changed throughout the years: During the 1940s, men grew their beards from one Sant-Cali-Gon to the next in beard growing contests, while the 1950s saw exhibitions of horses and covered wagons, together with numerous other items that might have been purchased in Independence before heading West. In more recent decades the festival, while retaining some of its old customs, has shifted to a carnival atmosphere, with numerous rides, booths and other venues offering a variety of food, beverages, crafts, entertainment (including Country and Gospel Music singers), and similar attractions. For a roster of current entertainment and more information, go to www.santacaligon.com.
- Another popular annual festival is the Vaile Strawberry Festival, which is held on the first Saturday of June at the Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, five blocks north of the historic Square. In addition to strawberry treats, there are other concessions, free live local entertainment, a massive arts, crafts, antiques and bedding plant sale and display on the grounds of the mansion, displays of antique cars and children's activities. Everything is free, except for home tours, food and drink and horse drawn carriage rides. For details, go to www.vailemansion.org.
- The Independence Heritage Festival A Celebration of cultures: Come On In, Neighbor The festival is a celebration of the diverse culture that exist in Independence. This event started in 2005 and has been held annually ever since. A free event with fun for the family, it is filled with food, games, music, dance, and storytelling. Many organizations, groups, and entertainment get involved. So far, since the festival started, it has been held at McCoy Park, across U.S. 24 from the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum.
Historic town square
Located in the historic center of town, the Independence town square features numerous family-owned shops surrounding the old main courthouse in Independence, which was modeled after Philadelphia's Independence Hall. This courthouse houses Harry S. Truman's former courtroom and office, and his home is a short walk away at 219 N. Delaware. However, it is necessary to purchase tickets for home tours at the Harry S. Truman Historic Site Ticket and Visitor Information Center, located on the Square at 223 N. Main. The courtroom and office and home are all open for tours for a minimal fee. Also located on the square are the remains of the old county jail, known as the 1859 Jail, Marshal's Home and museum, at 217 N. Main, also now open for tours. The jail housed famous Civil War guerillas and outlaws, including Frank James and other members of the famous Jesse James gang, such as William Clark Quantrill and Cole Younger. A farmers' market is held on the northeast side of the square on Saturdays, mid-May through Mid-September. The Santa-Cali-Con festival is also held on the square and nearby streets every year during the Labor day weekend and the Mayor's Christmas Tree lighting ceremony and live entertainment is held here on the second or third Saturday of November. For specific dates and details, plus information about individual stores and other Square events, go to www.theindependencesquare.com. You can also catch a mule drawn covered wagon ride on the Square with Pioneer Trails Adventures during spring, summer and fall months, and weather permitting, during the holiday season. .
Museums
- , 318 W. Pacific: Museum and interpretive center dedicated to the history of the Overland Trails and the settlement of the American West. Independence, also known as the Queen City of the Trails, hosted thousands of settlers, pioneers, soldiers and merchants as they prepared to cross the plans along one of three trails: the Santa Fe, California, and Orgeon. The museum offers film, a children's activity room, artifacts, journal entries, maps, and covered wagons, among other highlights.
- Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum: Official library of the 33rd U.S. President located at 500 U. S. 24 Highway. Hailed as America's "best presidential museum" by the Dallas Morning News, the Truman Library offers theaters, a museum, store, and interactive hands-on exhibits together with a Decision Theater. The museum contains a colorful mural by Thomas Hart Benton, together with a reproduction of the Oval Office. The courtyard contains the graves of Harry, Bess and their daughter Margaret. The museum seeks to educate patrons about the major world-shaping decisions that Truman was involved in as President, together with details of his personal life. The lower level offers an area where children can dress up like Harry and Bess, explore "feely" boxes, engage in an interactive computerized race, sort mail, make campaign buttons and posters and play a trivia game.
- , 1333 S. Noland Road: Museum of Victorian-era art of hair jewelry and wreaths. The Hair Museum, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world, houses over 350 hair "wreaths" and 1,500 pieces of artwork or jewelry made partially or completely out of human hair.
- , 11025 E. Winner Road: Home to hundreds of puppets and marionettes from around the world and features a collection from the world's largest puppet factory in neighboring Kansas City, owned and operated by famous puppeteer Hazelle Rollins. Visitors can also watch a movie, use the puppet resource library and see changing displays. Children can choose a puppet head from the now-closed factory inventory, paint it with professional puppet paint, attach a body, and stage an impromptu performance on one of the institute's stages. Monthly professional puppet shows are also offered.
- , 223 N. Main. The Truman home is operated by the National Park Service. It allows visitors to see how President Truman and his wife, Bess, lived in their simple but comfortable "Summer White House". Left just as it was when the Trumans lived there, you'll see their dishes on the table, books and records on the shelf, and Harry's hat, coat and cane in the front entry.
- , 217 N. Main. The dungeon-like cells of the 1859 Jail housed thousands of priosners during the bloodiest period of Jackson County's history. Some of its famous guests included Frank James and William Clark Quantrill. Part of the exhibit details how the local marshal and his family lived in the adjoining Federal brick two-story home. An 1870's-era schoolhouse and museum completes the site. A "historic homes combo" discount ticket is available for use with the Bingham-Waggoner Estate and the Vaile Mansion. Closed for the winter from January through March.
- , 313 W. Pacific. Built in 1852 along the Santa Fe Trail, this magnificent home was owned by famous Civil War artist George Caleb Bingham and later belonged to the Waggoner family, founders of the Waggoner-Gates Mill. Extensively renovated in the 1890s, many furnishings and accessories from the era may be seen in the home. A gift shop is located in the carriage house. Closed for the winter from January through March. *, 318 W. Pacific. Built in 1879, this wooden depot is believed to be the oldest two-story frame railroad depot remaining in Missouri. Filled with hundreds of railroad artifacts, it also served as the living quarters for the station master and his family on the upper level, which is furnished with period treasures. Closed January-March.
- , 1500 N. Liberty. This thirty-room mansion was built by frontier business tycon Harvey Vaile in 1881. Recognized as one of the finest examples of Second Empire Victorian architecture in the U.S., the opulent estate boasted conveniences such as flushing toilets, a built-in 6,000 gallon water tank, painted woodwork and ceilings and nine different marble fireplaces. Closed for the winter from January through March.
- . The Temple, at 201 S. River, and The Auditorium, across the street at 1001 W. Walnut, serve as world headquarters for this Christian denomination of a quarter-million members. Tours of the Temple and Auditorium are free, and organ concerts on world class organs are held daily in summer, and on Sundays from Labor day through Memorial Day. The site also offers a theater, sacred artwork and a meditation garden. The Children's Peace Pavilion in the Auditorium is a free hands-on interactive museum for children.
- , 937 W. Walnut. Describes the roles played by Latter-day Saints during the early and tempestuous history of Independence. Offers flat screen visual presentations showing the arrival of early Saints, revelations, and their pioneer lives. Also offers rare artifacts and exhibits documenting the history and beliefs of modern Saints, known as Mormons. Free guided tours daily.
Civil War sites
- Union Headquarters Guard Building
- Company Headquarters (McCoy Bank)
- 1859 Jail & Marshall's Home
- Union Encampment
- Covered Bridge
- Lawson Moore Home
- Jackman's Artillery Charge
- Shelby's Second Charge
- Jennison's Battle Line
- Cabell's Defense Line
- Bingham-Waggoner Estate
- Price's Camp at Rock Creek
Attractions
- ' - City-owned waterpark at 23rd St. and Hub Drive.
- Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World - Interchange of I-70 and I-470/MO-291.
- Bolger Square Shopping Center (Target, JC Penny's, 24-Hour Fitness) - North side of 39th St., west of MO-291.
- Crossroads Shopping District (Wal-Mart, Sam's Club) - South side of 39th St., west of MO-291.
- Eastland Shopping Center (Costco Wholesale, Chipotle, Holiday Inn) - Valley View Parkway, south of I-70 off Little Blue Parkway.
- Englewood - A neighborhood and business district along Winner Road, west of Sterling Avenue. It was once a separate city, before being annexed by Independence.
- Fairmount - A neighborhood and business district along Independence Avenue (U.S. 24), west of Sterling Avenue. It was once a separate city, before being annexed by Independence.
- Hartman Heritage Center (Buffalo Wild Wings, Coldstone Creamery, Hilton Garden Inn) - Jackson Dr., between MO-291 and Little Blue Parkway.
- Independence Center Mall - South side of 39th St., east of MO-291.
- Independence Commons Shopping Center (Kohl's, Best Buy, AMC 20 Theatres) - North side of 39th St., east of MO-291.
- - Called "uptown" by locals; off Truman Rd. just west of intersection with Noland Rd.
- Maywood - A neighborhood and business district along Truman Road (MO-12), west of Sterling Avenue. It was once a separate city, before being annexed by Independence.
Sports
Recreational
Independence has a vast group of recreational sports/teams. Among them are:
and many others.
YMCA and Parks and Recreation have programs for various sports for all people.
High school
Fort Osage High School
Fort Osage's football team won the 2007 Class 5 District 8 Championship and went all the way to the State Semifinals. The Indians won the District Title again in November 2008. After going 1-9 in 2005, and ending a 19 game losing streak that spanned two seasons, the Indians have gone 27-7 through the 2008 season. Fort Osage is also a powerhouse in wrestling.
St. Mary's High School
The St. Mary's Trojans have become highly accomplished in sports, especially in volleyball, cross country, and track & field.
Truman High School
Truman has had its share of success. In 2004, the Patriots won their first, and only district title in football. During that same season, they also finished as Suburban Big Six Conference Champions. The Patriots boys basketball team went to the 2008 Missouri Class 5 State Final Four Tournament, finishing in fourth place.
Van Horn High School
Starting off the 2008-09 school year, Van Horn underwent many changes in athletics, during the transfer from the Kansas City School District to the Independence School District. One change was replacing all of the coaches and Activities Director. The Falcons boys soccer team saw a successful 2008 season come to an end in the District Championship.
William Chrisman High School
In 2002 and again in 2006 William Chrisman's football team won the Class 5 District 7 Championship and went on to the State Quarterfinals in both seasons. Chrisman's Varsity Cheerleaders won the Class 5A Large Division State Championship in November 2006. It was the team's second State Title since 1995. The Bears boys basketball team shared the 2001 Suburban Middle Eight Conference Championship with Raytown High School. Years later, the Bears introduced their fast-paced run-and-gun style of play modeled after Grinnell College in the 2005-06 season. Since then Chrisman has gone on to receive national attention, breaking numerous state and national records along the way. In February 2009, the Bears won the 2008-09 Suburban Big Six Conference Championship.
The William Chrisman Bears and the Truman Patriots battle every year for three traveling trophies: The Wagon Wheel (football, since 1969), the Golden Grappler (wrestling, since 2003) and the Three Trails Trophy (boys and girls basketball-separate trophies, since 2007).
Chrisman, Truman, and Van Horn play all home varsity football games at Independence All-School Stadium/Norman James Field at William Chrisman High School. In 1998, 'All-School Stadium was named in honor of former Chrisman football coach and district athletic director Norman James. Then, in 2002, the Independence School District built a new facility, to the south of the former field, complementing Chrisman's track. Since then 'All-School Stadium' has gone through changes such as upgrading the football field to artificial turf, and has been host to many football and soccer games, and track meets. The stadium is used for football, soccer, track & field, and other purposes as a disrtict and community facility.
Fort Osage is currently a member of the Suburban Middle Six Conference, while Truman and William Chrisman are currently in the Suburban Big Six Conference. These are two of the four divisions in the Greater Kansas City Suburban Conference Leaugue, which consists of 25 (twenty-five) Kansas City, Missouri area high schools, which realigns/changes every two years. The conference expanded from three divisions to four prior to the 2004-05 school year, with the opening of Lee's Summit West High School. This conference is expected to grow, especially with the possibility of Van Horn joining in the near future, and the opening of Liberty North High School. Currently, Van Horn, a former member of the Interscholastic League or 'IL', functions as an independent and does not belong to a conference. St. Mary's, once a member of the Show-Me West Conference, is now a member of the 'new' Crossroads Conference.
All of these schools, and others throughout the metro area, are covered by Kansas City's Metro Sports, especially with Chrisman and Truman in basketball and Fort Osage in football (with features: The HyVee High School Game of the Week, and The McDonald's High School Roundup).
Fort Osage, St. Mary's, Truman, Van Horn, and William Chrisman are members of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.
College
Blue River Community College features a soccer program with a men's team and women's team. The Trailblazers (men) went all the way to the NJCAA Region 16 semifinals before concluding their season. The Lady Trailblazers (women) finished as runners up in the region.
Professional
With the approval of a new arena, or Events Center (on Valley View Parkway, near I-70 and I-470/MO-291) operated by Global Entertainment Corporation, Independence will have a mid-level professional hockey team. Due to Global Entertainment's ownership, the team is likely to join the Central Hockey League. The Events Center will also take on other purposes put on by the community.
There is a street in Independence south of Truman Rd. between Memorial Dr. and Lynn St. (between City Hall and the Independence Square, west of Noland Rd.) called Higashimurayama.
Infrastructure
Highways
- Interstate 70
- Interstate 470/Route 291 (from Lee's Summit, MO to Interstate 70) Interstate 470 ends and MO-291 continues north.
- U.S. Route 24 also known as Winner Road (from Kansas City, MO to the U.S. 24/Winner Road intersection), and Independence Avenue (from Wilson Rd. east to Emery Ave./Parker St.(east of Noland Rd.))
- U.S. Route 40
- Route 7
- Route 12 also known as Truman Road (from Kansas City, MO to Spring St. (west of the historic Independence Square)) (This stretch was at one time known as Van Horn Rd.) MO-12 ends and Truman Rd. continues east.
- Route 78 also known as 23rd Street (from Kansas City, MO to east of MO-291 (this stretch may also be referred to as E. Alton St.)), and from that point on as Lake City-Buckner Road to a roundabout at MO-7) MO-78 ends and Lake City-Buckner Rd. continues east (into the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant).
Hospital
Transportation
Utilities
Independence Power & Light (IPL) is a local electric power plant owned and operated by the city. It was established in 1901 and has undergone many changes and upgrades. One change was moving from the old Dodgion Street plant (where the Roger T. Sermon Center stands now) to the Blue Valley Plant near Truman Rd. and MO-78/Lake City-Buckner Rd. IPL also draws power from other sources: the Missouri City Plant, and the Kansas City Power and Light Company (through two 161,000 volt transmission interconnections). IPL has an "Out of Sight" power line burial program. After signing an agreement with TradeWind Energy in July, 2008, IPL will begin purchasing annually 15 megawatts of renewable energy from the Smoky Hills Wind Farm (a wind turbine facility) in Kansas.
- Independence Water Department
Famous residents
- Jim Butcher, New York Times Best Selling author
- Teresa Carpenter, Pulitzer prize winning journalist
- Fatal1ty (Johnathan Wendel), professional e-sports player
- Paul Henning, Created "The Beverly Hillbillies", "Green Acres", "Petticoat Junction"
- Arliss Howard, actor on the TV show Medium
- Bob Lewis, former member and co-founder of Devo
- Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman
- Ginger Rogers, Legendary Academy Award-winning actress of musicals, dramas, and comedies. Silver screen dancing partner of Fred Astaire
- Charles E. Spahr, CEO, Standard Oil of Ohio
- David Stover, NASCAR driver
- Rick Sutcliffe, Major League Baseball veteran and sports announcer
- Bess Truman, 33rd First Lady of the United States
- Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States
- Margaret Truman Daniel, daughter of Harry and Bess Truman
- Margaret Weis is a fantasy novelist who, along with Tracy Hickman, is one of the original creators of the Dragonlance game world and has written numerous novels and short stories set in the world of Krynn.
- Forrest "Phog" Allen - KU Basketball Coach
External links
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