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'Walking with Harry' Truman Day 2013

Top Ten Reasons To Visit Independence In 2013

Englewood Art Walk

Strawberry Festival - Vaile Mansion

Breakfast On The Trails Bingham-Waggoner Estate

It is often said that the American Civil War began with the Border Wars between Missouri and Kansas. In fact, skirmishes between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions took place as early as the 1850s.

These polarizing ideologies could not have been more scrutinized than in the Midwest where the entry of new states into the Union became a nationwide debate and drove tensions high. This national division led to battles between Union and Confederate troops that can still be seen throughout every corner of Missouri.

1859 Jail & Marshal’s Home

The dungeon-like cells of the 1859 Jail housed thousands of prisoners during the bloodiest time in Jackson County’s history, including Frank James and William Clark Quantrill. Looking much like it did the morning of the Battle of Independence, for a time it served as headquarters for the Union Provost Guard under the command of Lt. Charles Meryhew.

217 N. Main, (816) 461-1897

Hours: Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.,
Sun. April – October, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.,
Closed January - March
Price: Adults: $6, Seniors: $5, Children/Students: $3

www.jchs.org

Bingham-Waggoner Estate

Built in 1852 along the 1846 alignment of the Santa Fe Trail, this magnificent home was once owned by George C. Bingham, famed Civil War artist. Accounts have been given of observing Civil War battles from the upper porch.

313 W. Pacific, (816) 461-3491

Hours: Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.,
Sun. April – October, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Admission: Adults: $6, Seniors: $5, Children/Students: $3

www.bwestate.org

Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri

The Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri is dedicated to educational purposes including the promotion and understanding of all aspects and phases of the U.S. Civil War period, especially in WESTERN MISSOURI and the "BORDER WAR" conflict and to stimulate interest in and further discussion and study of the War Between the States.

Anyone interested in Civil War history. Meetings open to members and non-members. Meeting 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m.
Visitors always welcome.

Village of Jackson Creek (Lower Level)
3980 A South Jackson Drive,
(816) 836-1013

www.cwrtwm.org

Civil War Links

http://www.mocivilwar.org/home.html
Missouri's Civil War Heritage Foundation
http://www.freedomsfrontier.org
For a calendar of regional Civil War commemorative events
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/abpp/battles/bystate.htm#mo
Battle by State-lists battles in Missouri complied by the National Park Service
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/abpp/battles/mo024.htm
Battle of the Little Blue-NPS
http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/abpp/battles/mo014.htm
First Battle of Independence-NPS
http://www.cwrtwm.org
The Civil War Round Table of Western Missouri

Civil War Walking/Driving Tour

Two major battles took place within the City of Independence and Jackson County, Missouri, including the First Battle of Independence (August 11, 1862) one of the first urban battles of the Civil War; and the Second Battle of Independence/Battle of the Little Blue (October 21-22, 1864) when 15,000 forces of the Union and Confederate armies fought along the Little Blue River in Eastern Jackson County.