TOP 5 LIST: Tell Me the Truth! Top five stereotypes that are absolutely true of Independence, MO.

Welcome to the hometown of Harry Truman!

Independence, MO

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History is Alive!

Chairman of the Board

Mystery and

Scandal

Vaile Mansion A glass-topped coffin and white-collar corporate scandals plagued this Victorian mansion for years. Driven mad by public accusations, Mrs. Vaile’s ghostly image is occasionally seen watching over the property from her bedroom window.

If you’re in the mood for a little Americana, you are in luck. There’s nothing square about our pie made daily, from scratch on the Independence Square for area restaurants and coffee shops!

Made From Scratch:

Leila Cohoon knows her museum is a bit peculiar; a concept most are unaware has been around for centuries. But she is proud to share her treasure, the world’s only hair museum. Even the King of Pop left a lock.

A Hairy Situation

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Square Pie

Victorian Mansion

Famous Locks

Attracting popularity among visitors, this pooch made his way into the bylaws of the Bingham-Waggoner Estate. Board approved, Apollo is the official mascot and guardian of the estate. He works vigilantly each day for doggie treats and belly rubs.

Independence is a community built on pride. We are proud of who we are, where we’ve been and where we are headed. We hold family and honesty in the highest regard and we’re real about it. We’re bold about what we stand for and what we value because we truly be-lieve it. We don’t want to be something that we’re not because we like who we are, moreover we are proud of who we are.

We are hard-working and want to do everything we can to make our community the best place it can be. Busi-nesses have told us time and time again that they want the people of Independence on their team. Many of us have parents, grandparents and great grandparents who grew up in Independence and we intend to continue to thrive in this community we love.

If someone comes to Independence to work, live or vi-sit we will welcome them and be genuinely glad they are here. We can promise that they will find a down to earth community that is friendly and wants them to en-joy their time in Independence. We want them to expe-rience the history that we are so proud of and the small town feel that we offer.

We are a close community. When we talk about pro-gress in our community, we are referring to working to-gether to make things happen and being proud of what we accomplish. The progress that we see is the product of hard work, determination and pride; a cornerstone of Independence.

Cori Day Director, City of Independence Tourism Department 03

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Well... that’s me, Harry Truman. What a pleasure to call Independence home;

the gateway city of the old Great West!

Real People. Real Progress.

Independence, MOMr. Truman

If you ask us an opinion or want our thoughts, we are going to give it to you straight. No nonsense; just honest talk like the man we are proud to call our own, Harry Truman. You cannot tell the story of Independence without talking about Harry and the remarkable man that he was. The values that make us who we are are the same values that made him who he was.

This begs the question: Did Harry make Independence what it is or did Independence make Harry who he was? He was a man that was bold, brash, and never apologized for it. He wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and did so with integrity and honesty. He loved this community and had an immen-se amount of pride about living in Independence. Harry’s pride and love of this community has stayed with us. It is what shapes who we are today. He was a real, proud, honest, hard-working man and he left behind a community of people that reflect those same values.

The people of Independence are clearly what make Indepen-dence. The values that each one of us holds as important are consistent in this community. When we say “Real People Real Progress” we know that the people of Independence exemplify this and will deliver every time.

Spend time with us and you will see. Open a business and we will support you, bring your family to visit and we will make you feel at home, move here and we will embrace you with open, real arms.

Our Story...

Independence, MO

1.) WE ARE HAPPY & NICE: Don’t be surprised if you are welcomed with a warm embrace. We like to hug it out.

2.) THE PHRASE “I’M BORED” ISN’T AN ACCEPTABLE TERM TO USE AROUND TOWN: If you find yourself checking your social feeds every five seconds we’ll assume it’s because you’ve just uploaded some pretty amazing selfies and are checking in on your newly establish popularity; not because you are bored to tears.

3.) A FILTER, WHAT’S THAT? We mean what we say, and say what we mean. Sometimes this is welcomed, but not if you’re having a bad hair day. Don’t take things too seriously. Our vocal locals can’t resist, opinions run deep in this town.

Traveling to Independence tips!

Before your arrival to Independence, please make sure

you pack your positive attitude. We are really happy

around here, and your frown will just upset the locals...

we wouldn’t want that, now would we?

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Top 5 stereotypes that are absolutely true of our city:

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4.) SANTA…CLAUS FESTIVAL: For the record, it’s Santa-Cali-Gon Days. How about we spell that out for you: Santa Fe, California and Oregon. This festival brings out interesting walks of life. Originally founded to commemorate the starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails in Independence, the festival brings more than 200,000 people to the historic square each year. From proposals on the main stage to a first kiss at the top of the Ferris wheel, this fall festival has profound roots in our community.

5.) LOYAL TO A FAULT: Harry Truman left a lasting impression on this city, leaving behind a great legacy. Tell us we can’t, and we will. We have a strong heritage of working hard to accomplish goals together. If you happen to need anything during your stay someone will assist. In fact, you might end up with ten extra pillows and blankets, free coffee and a hot meal to take on your journey; just because we care.

Traveling to Independence tips!

Bring your stretchy pants, you’re going to eat a LOT and

possibly gain a few pounds. There’s not a lot of choice

in the matter, the food is just that good!

Almost Famous...Independence isn’t just home to Harry Truman.

Independence: The starting point of the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails.

Independence, MO Outlaws and Movie Stars

GINGER ROGERS The birthplace home of Virginia Katherine McMath, better known as Ginger Rogers, is in Independence. When Ms. Rogers met President Harry Truman at the White House, she said, “Mr. President, you and I are from the same city in Missouri, and I’m here to register a complaint. No one realizes I’m from Independence, and everyone knows you are. I’m jealous.”

FRANK JAMESIt is a k nown fact that Frank James,of the infamous James Gang and brother of Jesse James, was held prisoner at the Indepen-dence jail after his surrender to the Governor at Jefferson City in 1882. During his incarceration in what is now known as the 1859 Jail & Mars-hal’s Home Museum, his cell was never locked. In fact the jailer’s wife made dinner for the famous prisoner. Because he feared grave ro-bbers, his ashes were finally laid to rest at Hill Park Cemetery in 1944 after his wife’s death.

WILD ABOUT HARRY “I’m Just Wild About Harry” was the campaign song for the 1948 presidential bid by Harry S Truman. Bet you didn’t know this: it was really a Broadway show tune in 1921, (music by Eubie Blake, lyrics by Noble Sissle) in Shuffle Along, the first finanacially successful production fea-turing all African Americans. Today you can visit the shop of the same name on Historic Inde-pendence Square.

PETEY’S PHARMACYThe Beverly Hillbillies began inIndependence? Yes, Producer Paul WilliamHenning grew up here. All those times Grannymentioned Petey in the show, it was a Shout Out to Petey’s Drugstore, and to Henning’s ownGrandma. Despite advice to become a lawyer from Harry Truman, whom he met while working in a drugstore, Henning went on to write for such series as Fibber McGee & Molly, Burns and Allen, The Real McCoys, and The Andy Griffith Show.

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I’m Just

Wild About Harry!

See for yourself why Harry loved his hometown.

Independence, MO

FAMILY DESTINATIONIndependence is a good fit for families looking for a fresh place to take grandchildren. Wagon rides, the National Frontier Trails Museum, Pu-ppetry Arts Institute, Children’s Peace Pavilion, the Truman Library, parks, spraygrounds and the Adventure Oasis Water Park appeal to both parents and children.

BASE CAMP FOR RV CAMPERSIndependence is located at the intersection of major interstate highways. A full service in-town RV park offers easy accessibility to our heritage attractions and those in nearby Kansas City. A low cost of living, places to buy supplies and get repairs all make Independence a good home base from which to experience the metro area.

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE JAMES GANGIndependence is home to the 1859 Jail and Marshal’s Home, where older brother Frank and other members of the James Gang were “guests”during the Civil War. Listen to stories about famous outlaws and guerillas during a historical tour while riding a covered wagon. Then visit Frank’s grave, buried nearby in a small cemetery.

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORYExhibits at the National Frontier Trails Museum and Truman Library share events of African -American history from the frontier era through the 1950s. Other attractions include the 1827 Log Courthou-se, 1859 Jail and black history on the Square.

HOLIDAY HERITAGE HOMETOWNIndependence offers tours of decorated historic homes, shopping on the Square, visits with Santa and Father Christmas, live music, tree lighting festi-vities, pioneer era Christmas events, puppet shows and much more.

MILITARY HISTORYFrom the war with Mexico to the Civil War, WW I, WWII and Vietnam wars. See movies, artifacts, watch and read personal recollections, monu-ments, battlefields and more.

ONE OF KIND ATTRACTIONSAt the Puppetry Arts Institute, children can make their own puppets and put on a show on stage. Leila’s Hair Museum boasts over 2,500 pieces of art and jewelry made partially or entirely from human hair. Families can enjoy hands on activities and art stations at the interactive Children’s Peace Pavilion, a free favorite for kids of all ages.

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Independence, MO

Contact Us:For more detailed information visit our website at: www.visitindependence.com

Media Inquiries: Emily Crawfordoohaahcreative@gmail.com(816)590-1439