Neighborhood Highlights
The 1879 Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot
The 1879 Chicago and Alton Railroad Depot is believed to be Missouri's only restored two-story train depot. Between 1996 and 2002, the depot was completely moved to its current location on the city's West Pacific Avenue. Today, it has been restored to its historic condition and is open to the public as a living history museum facility. Guided tours are available throughout the year, along with open times during special events.
Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum
Established on July 6th, 1957 to preserve the papers, books, and other historical materials relating to former US President Harry S. Truman and to make them available to the people in a place suitable for exhibit and research. Consistently ranked among the top tourism destinations in the Kansas City region, no visit to America's heartland is complete without a trip to this incredible museum.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Every great city needs to pay proper respect to the arts. In Kansas City, that is accomplished through the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. A fantastic tribute to all the creative endeavors that have come through Kansas City. At the Kauffman Center, you can see performances by the Kansas City Symphony. Love dancing? The Kansas City Ballet will dazzle you. In fact, the very sight of the Kauffman Center is something to behold as famed architect Moshe Safdie gave the building its shape, full of transcendent platinum curves. Attending an event here is an experience not to be missed.
About Independence
The town of Independence, Missouri was founded in 1827 to serve as the westernmost port of fur trading on the Missouri River. It later served as a jumping-off point for the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails. Consequently, this history-rich region was the site of two battles fought during the Civil War. On July 6, 1957, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library was dedicated in Independence.
Today, Independence is better known for its importance in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as the childhood hometown of President Harry S. Truman. The city also hosts several historic museums that document its regional importance for mid-19th century America and plays host to a diverse and highly engaged community of Americans form every walk of life.
