Independence, Missouri is a true American Original. This bustling settlement which was founded in 1825 was a rough and rugged frontier town, which today offers travelers a chance to experience first hand what it was like to live on the edge of civilization.

 Peer into the dark and chilly two foot thick limestone walls of a cell in the 1859 Jail which housed famous outlaws. Tour the 1827 Log Courthouse, 107 W. Kansas , built of sturdy black walnut, or learn about pioneer life at the carefully restored Pioneer Spring Cabin, Truman and Noland.

Wander through the many impressive rooms at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific, furnished with countless unique  artifacts and treasures original to the families who lived there. Wonder at the elegance and majesty of the opulent Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, known as the House of Gold, adorned with 9 marble fireplace mantles, hand painted ceilings and tastefully crafted woodwork.

Take a narrated tour in a swaying covered wagon past Civil War sites, historic homes, and the still visible wagon swales cut by the wooden wheels of thousands of wagons heading west. Stroke the fur pelts like the ones mountain men tanned and hear the words of travelers who followed the Santa Fe, California and Oregon Trails from Independence at the National Frontier Trails Museum, 318 W. Pacific.

The whole family will enjoy learning about the history of puppets and marionettes in the many displays of both at the Puppetry Arts Institute 11025 E. Winner. All ages enjoy the chances to view puppets from around the world. For a small additional fee, children can select a puppet head, paint and clothe it and stage an impromptu show.

The history of a Victorian art form using human hair is illustrated by thousands of pieces of jewelry and art work made of hair at Leila’s Hair Museum,  1333 S. Noland, the only one of its kind in the world.

Wander through the many impressive rooms at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, 313 W. Pacific, furnished with countless unique  artifacts and treasures original to the families who lived there. Wonder at the elegance and majesty of the opulent Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, known as the House of Gold, adorned with 9 marble fireplace mantles, hand painted ceilings and tastefully crafted woodwork.

Stop in at the fascinating restored 1879 two story Chicago and Alton Depot, 318 W. Pacific, which houses not only antique railroad artifacts, but the upstairs living quarters of the station master. Don’t forget the historic Truman Depot just down the street, which President Harry S. Truman and his wife used many times as he traveled back and forth to Washington. Truman’s Courtroom , Main and Lexington, with an audio-visual slide show at the historic Jackson County courthouse is also open for touring.

A modest two story white Victorian home at 219 N. Delaware Street was the home of Bess and later the home of Harry and Bess until their deaths. Everything has been kept just as it was when they lived there, including Harry’s hat, coat and cane hanging in the front entry.