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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 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: $5, Seniors: $4.50, Children/Students: $2

www.jchs.org



Bingham-Waggoner Estate 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: $5, Seniors: $4.50, Children/Students: $2

www.bwestate.org



Civil War Links

Civil War Driving Tour Brochure 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.

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Civil War Driving Tour

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To Request a Brochure, please visit us online at www.visitindependence.com or contact



Tourism Dept. Staff

Independence Department of Toursim
111 East Maple
Independence, MO 64050
Local: (816) 325-7111
Toll Free: (800) 748-7323
Stephanie Roush
Tourism Director
sroush@indepmo.org


Diane Brockman
Tourism Coordinator
dbrockman@indepmo.org

Cathy Offutt
Volunteer Coordinator
coffutt@indepmo.org




Janeen Aggen
Media Relations Consultant
janeena@sbcglobal.net

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