Learn About Independence, MO, History with a Timeline of the City’s Storied Past

So much has happened in Independence since our town was founded in 1827 that it can be hard to keep our story straight. That’s where this timeline comes in. Explore our history, from pioneer trails and noteworthy homes to entrepreneurs and former President Harry S. Truman, and look for all the ways to experience each chapter today.

1827
Independence is platted and founded. The Log Courthouse, the first government building in Jackson County, was built by enslaved labor at 107 W. Kansas Ave. It remained the only courthouse between Independence and the West Coast for the following 40 years.

1831
Joseph Smith Jr., leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, arrives in Independence and declares it the new Zion.

1833
Mob violence erupts, and the local Mormon community is forced out of Jackson County.

1836
The first brick courthouse is constructed on the Independence Square. The historic courthouse on the Square has undergone several major renovations since its construction. Its current design was constructed in 1933 under the leadership of Harry S. Truman.

1843
The first migrant wagon train leaves from Independence on the Oregon Trail. In the years that followed, an estimated 400,000 migrants would step in behind wagons heading west, following the Santa Fe, California, or Oregon trails. All these trails started in Independence.

1852
The Bingham-Waggoner Estate is built.

1860
Former slave and African-American entrepreneur Hiram Young operates the largest factory in Independence, Hiram Young and Company. In 1860 alone, his wagon manufacturing business produced 300 wagons and 6,000 ox yokes for westward pioneers.

1862
With the Civil War underway, the First Battle of Independence took place on August 11, on the Square. In a Confederate win, Captain William Quantrill captures control of the city. Independence witnessed two Civil War battles.

1864
The Second Battle of Independence is fought in Independence. Confederate General Sterling Price wins the victory and moves west to Westport, where he is defeated.

1879
The Chicago & Alton Depot is built.

1881
The Vaile Mansion is constructed.

1884
Harry S. Truman is born on May 8 in Lamar, Missouri.

1890
Truman moved with his family to 619 Crysler St. in Independence. Truman meets Bess Wallace during Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church.

1898
Truman takes his first job at Clinton’s Drug Store on the Independence Square.

1901
Truman graduates from Independence High School.

1917
Truman served as Captain of Battery D, a field artillery unit, in France during WW1

1919
Truman married Bess Wallace at Trinity Episcopal Church. The newlyweds move into their home at 219 N. Delaware St.

1927
Truman became the presiding judge of Jackson County Court.

1934
Truman won a seat in the United States Senate for the State of Missouri.

1945
On the winning ticket with Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Truman assumed the office of vice president of the United States. On FDR’s death 82 days later, Truman would become the 33rd president of the United States.

1948
Truman traversed the country by train on his Whistlestop Tour, campaigning for his election to a second term as president.

1953
Harry and Bess Truman return to live in Independence, following his presidency.

1957
On July 6, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum was dedicated in Independence.

1972
Truman passed away at the age of 88 and is buried in the courtyard at the Truman Library.

1979
The Bingham-Waggoner Historical Society, in cooperation with the City of Independence, purchases the 19.5-acre Bingham-Waggoner Estate.

1982
Bess Truman passed away on October 18, 1982, and is buried next to her husband at the Truman Library. In her will, she leaves her and Harry’s home to the American people.

1982-1990
The first female Mayor, Barbara Potts, was elected in Independence. She is the 46th Mayor of Independence.

1983
The Dewitt family donates the Vaile Mansion to the City of Independence.
The Vaile Victorian Society, a local nonprofit formed in the same year, begins refurbishing the home to its original state.

1996
Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot is moved from its original location to its current location on West Pacific Ave.
From 1992 to 2002, members of the community worked to restore the historic wonder back to life.

2020
The Truman Library underwent a $30 million renovation featuring an updated entrance and lobby, new exhibits, and enhanced technology. The revitalized library continues to highlight Truman’s legacy for decades to come.