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Independence, Missouri

Located in Jackson County, Missouri, Independence was established in 1827. Independence was the primary departure point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails. Harry Truman lived in Independence his entire life and is buried at his presidential library.
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Founded 1827 | Population 120,000 | Peak 120,000 (2024) | County Jackson County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Independence, Missouri

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1827Founded as County Seat: Frontier town on Missouri border.
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1831Mormon Settlement: Joseph Smith designates Independence as Zion; later expelled.
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1843Oregon Trail Departure Point: Major jumping-off point for westward migration.
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1945Truman Returns Home: Harry Truman returns as President; Truman Library later built.
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1957Truman Presidential Library: First presidential library built under 1955 act.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1827 Government
Founded as County Seat
1831 Culture
Mormon Settlement
1843 Transport
Oregon Trail Departure Point
1945 Politics
Truman Returns Home
1957 Culture
Truman Presidential Library

Did You Know?

1
Independence was the primary departure point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe trails.
2
Harry Truman lived in Independence his entire life and is buried at his presidential library.
3
The LDS Church still considers Independence a holy site.
4
Independence is located in Jackson County, Missouri.
5
Independence was founded in 1827.

Famous People from Independence, Missouri

GR
Ginger Rogers
Actor, Writer · Born Jul 16, 1911 · Died Apr 25, 1995 (age 83)
BT
Bess Truman
Politician · Born Feb 13, 1885 · Died Oct 18, 1982 (age 97)
AH
Arliss Howard
Screenwriter, Actor · Born Oct 18, 1954 · Age 71
MW
Margaret Weis
Writer, Novelist · Born Mar 16, 1948 · Age 77
JB
Jim Butcher
Actor, Novelist · Born Oct 26, 1971 · Age 54
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