Harry S. Truman

The “man from Missouri” is the city’s pride and joy. Experience the 33rd President of the United States’ beloved hometown the way that Truman did throughout his extraordinary life.

Whether you’ve called Independence home your entire life or you’re visiting for the first time, you likely know at least a bit about the city’s most famous resident: Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States (incidentally, the only president from Missouri).

Born and raised in Lamar, Mo., Truman moved to Independence as a six-year-old. Here, Truman would grow from a dedicated student and voracious reader into a farmer, military leader, business owner, judge, senator, and from 1945-53, President of the United States following the sudden death of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Careful and thoughtful preservation has kept an abundance of Truman-related places and landmarks in prime condition. Even today — more than 50 years after Truman’s passing — you can explore the city as Truman knew it, a beloved hometown where he met and married the love of his life and where he learned the lessons that would help shape his extraordinary life.

One of Truman’s great pleasures in life was his daily walks through his Independence neighborhood and the surrounding city. A number of trails and tours are available to help visitors retrace Truman’s footsteps and better understand why he loved his hometown so deeply.

Upon returning to Independence after his presidency concluded, Truman declared, “It’s grand to be home. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your coming down to see the country boy come back to his hometown.”

Be sure to include these must-see attractions on your Truman journey through Independence:

  • Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum – Explore the life and legacy of America’s 33rd president through immersive exhibits, interactive displays, and powerful stories that shaped the modern world.
  • Harry S. Truman Home – Step inside the modest family home where Truman lived before and after his presidency and gain a personal glimpse into his everyday life in Independence.
  • Clinton’s Soda Fountain – Take a break where Truman once worked as a teen at this restored 19th-century soda fountain, famous for its classic malts, phosphates, and nostalgic small-town charm.

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