Independence, Missouri is the states 4th largest city by population. It is located within two counties, Jackson and Clay and is considered to be part of the bigger Kansas City Metropolitan Area. The city had a total population of approximately 116,830 according to the 2010 Census. Independence is the county seat of Jackson County. Since it was among the departure points of the Oregon and California and Santa Fe trails, it is referred to as the "Queen City of the Trails."
Initially the city was originally settled by Missouri and Osage Indians. Eventually people from Spain settled together with a brief tenure by people from France. Independence became a part of the USA in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase. In 1804, Lewis and Clark recorded that they stopped there in their journals and that they picked raspberries, wild apples and plums at a place that would later be a part of the city of Independence.
Independence City was founded on March 29th of the year 1827. It started as a popular frontier township and was the furthest western port along the Missouri River that both cargo vessels and steamboats can travel. The vessels can get through this particular area because of the convergence of the Missouri River with the Kansas River. The rivers meet about six miles west of town, near the current of the Missouri-Kansas border. Independence soon became a jumping off point for the newly emerging fur industry. The city of Independence accommodated both merchants and adventurers who were starting their westward trek along the Santa Fe Trail.
The interesting part Independence played in American history is reflected in its gorgeously restored mansions. Like for example, the Vaile Mansion was built in the year 1881 by a local entrepreneur named Harvey Merrick Vaile. This famous house represents amongst the best examples of Second-Empire Victorian architecture within the United States. During the year 1855, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate was constructed. This was once the house of George C. Bingham, a famous Civil War artist. The Marshal's Home & Museum is located within a jailhouse that was built in 1859. This particular jailhouse was once home to the Jessie James brother Frank James.
The Truman Home is another famous home within Independence. It has a stylish simplicity and offers a glimpse into the private life of the 33rd American President. Video and audio programs are likewise featured in the Truman Presidential Museum and Library, along with many things celebrating his life post and pre presidency, as well as during his campaign.
Independence is the head office of the Community of Christ. This is the 2nd biggest denomination in the Latter Day Saint movement. The church maintains a large auditorium as well as several other buildings and also a temple in Independence. There is a huge center for visitors beside the Community of Christ Temple which belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Community of Christ Temple is located directly across the street from the original Temple Lot that was designed by Joseph Smith in 1830.