Historical landmarks in Independence, Missouri

Independence is the fourth largest city in the U.S. state, Missouri, and is contained with in the counties of Jackson and clay. It is part of Kansas City metropolitan area. Independence is the county seat of Jackson County, and is known as the queen city of the trails, because it was a point of the departure of the California, Oregon and Santa Fe trails.

This area is Independence's only Historic District designated by the City in 1974- two years after the National Park Service established the Harry S Truman National Historic Landmark District. The district includes 121 residences and five institutional buildings. It was established to preserve the districts cultural landscape of Truman's hometown neighborhood.

Built ca. 1938 the Palestine Church is the second oldest African American church structure in Independence. It is maintained by an active congregation and is one of the few buildings still associated with Independence's historic African American community. The church is situated on the historic Young School property, which housed the first African American school building in Independence, Designated locally in 1998.

Home of Samuel Owens from 1840-1851 and William McCoy from 1851-1900. Both had significant associations with Santa Fe Trail trade. Owens is distinguished for his heroism in the Battle of Sacramento. William McCoy was a partner in Waldo, Hall and Company, an early freighting company. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Santa Fe National Historic Trail Site. Architecturally, the house is an excellent example of the Side Hall Plan with characteristics of the Greek revival and Italianate styles. Mr. and Mrs. Brian Snyder currently own the home and have continued in the ongoing process of restoring and preserving the home.

Built ca. 1915, this is an excellent example of American Four Square construction, as influenced by the Prairie style. The property was the home of Dr. Elmer Twyman, who was considered to be a pioneer of cancer surgery. From 1922-1939, the home was owned by Benjamin McGuire, the Presiding Bishop of the Community of Christ church from 1916-1925. Rev. Lyndon W. Harper bought the home ca. 1940. He was minister of the First Christian Church during the depression. The home is currently being restored by owners Lee Williams and Brent Schondelmeyer, Designated locally in 1998.