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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.

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?

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.

The LDS Church still considers Independence a holy site.

Independence is located in Jackson County, Missouri.

Independence was founded in 1827.

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