Harry S Truman in Independence Missouri Walking Tour - Clio

Entries on This Tour

1. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum

Since its opening in 1957, the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum has offered a research library and galleries that preserve and share the history of Harry Truman's life and presidency. This was also the first Presidential Library established following a 1955 law that supported the creation of these institutions. Truman personally worked to build the library and maintained a personal office which has been preserved and serves as one of the highlights of the tour. Today, the library helps bring the late President's life and legacy to light for modern scholars and everyday Americans through exhibits and a vast archival collection of documents from the Truman Administration.Listen to the clip below under Backstory and Context when you are on the Truman Walking Tour!

2. Historical Marker: The Neck

Embedded into the sidewalk is this small historical marker which describes an important part of the city's African American history. McCoy Park, which is across the street, was once a segregated and mostly African American neighborhood called "The Neck" that was razed in the 1960s so it could become the park. The marker is part of the Truman Historic Walking Tour.Listen to the audio above to learn more about Truman's stances on racial equality!

3. Harry S. Truman Boyhood Home

Future President Harry S. Truman spent part of his childhood in this historic Independence home which was built around 1886. The Truman family moved here ten years later, and today, it is a contributing property of the Harry S. Truman National Historic District. The structure continues to serve as a private family home, although a historical marker located in front of the house is available for all to see.

4. Harry S Truman National Historic Site - Truman Home

A farmer, a father, a scholar, public servant, husband, President, and man lived in this house for decades. Harry S Truman is often overlooked as far as American leaders are concerned, but he showed dedication and willpower to lead this nation to stand the test of time. Truman's life filled with expanding power never deterred his tendency to remember where he came from. 219 Delaware Street in the small town of Independence was where President Truman hung his hat beginning in 1919 until his death in 1972. He raised a family and built a legacy while inhabiting this classically designed home. Today it remains as a memorial to Truman and his accomplishments as well as his down to Earth nature.Play the audio above when you are in front of the Truman Home to learn more about the family's time there!

5. Palmer House

This is a private home that was owned by the Palmer family when the Wallace and Truman families were growing up in Independence, Missouri. The home was built in the 1890s and William L. C. Palmer owned it with his wife Ardelia. Palmer was the Superintendent of Independence Schools and Ardelia was a schoolteacher, both of whom taught the Truman and Wallace children.Listen to the audio clip above to hear about how Harry S. Truman prodded his daughter, Margaret, about her studies!

Harry S. Truman frequently passed this Ginkgo tree in front of the Wright/Prewitt House on his walks around Independence. Many locals say that on these walks, Truman would stop by the tree and tell it that it was doing a good job and to keep up the good work. Truman was a regular walker and appreciated the exercise. Many people noted that he walked rather quickly after coming home from World War I, likely a result of his military training. However, his pace slowed as he retired to Independence and his regular presence around town contributed to his reputation as a friendly, approachable local celebrity.Listen to the audio to learn more about what Truman and his friends said about his walking habit, both in Independence and other places!

7. Trinity Episcopal Church

This site is historically significant, as it was where Harry Truman and Bess Wallace were married on June 28, 1919. In addition to Truman and his wife being married in Trinity Episcopal, Truman’s daughter Margaret married her husband Clifton Daniel there as well on April 21, 1956. Bess Truman’s funeral was also held at Trinity Episcopal in October of 1982. The Trinity Episcopal Church is reported to be the only example of the work of John Hubbard Sturgis, who introduced the Victorian Gothic design to the United States, west of the Allegheny Mountains. P. Morgan constructed the church foundation.Listen to the audio clip above to learn more about the Truman's wedding here!

8. Clinton's Drug Store

This building is most notable for a teenage employee who worked at Clinton's Drug Store and went on to become President of the United States. In his first week of work, a fourteen-year-old Harry S. Truman earned three silver dollars which he chose to spend on a present for his mother. Prior to that time, this location was home to a wood-frame general store in the late 19th century. That original store was rebuilt as a brick structure following a fire. George Clinton bought the building and established a drug store on the main level in the mid-1890s. In February 1906, the two neighboring blocks where Clinton’s Drug Store was located was destroyed by fire. George Clinton’s brother, James, chose to buy the damaged building in May and planned to demolish the existing building and replace it. The building now stands as a rectangle, two-story, commercial building on the corner of West Maple Street and North Main Street.Listen to the audio to learn more about Truman's thoughts on his first job!

9. Historic Truman Courthouse

The courthouse located at 112 West Lexington Avenue in Independence served as one of the two sites that Truman worked at while serving first as eastern district judge from 1922-24, and then as presiding judge from 1926-34 in Jackson County. The first courthouse was constructed in 1836 and has been remodeled multiple times since. Truman oversaw the 1933 remodeling of the courthouse in the colonial revival style. Today the courthouse serves as the home of the Jackson County Historical Society. They provide guided tours and historical interpretation. In addition to that, they also operate a History Center, an Archives and Research Center, the Old Jail, a gallery of George Caleb Bingham paintings, and Harry S. Truman's office and courtroom. The courthouse also now houses offices for Jackson County’s Assessment, Collections and Recorder of Deeds Departments, as well as the Independence Tourism Department.Listen to the audio to learn more about Harry S. Truman's early political life!

10. Harry Truman National Historic Site Visitor Center

Located at the historic 1928 Independent Fire Station No. 1, the Harry Truman National Historic Site Visitor's Center displays information about the 33rd President and offers directions to the nearby Truman farm and Truman home. Visitors should start here to begin touring the city. The fire station is a contributing property to the Harry S. Truman National Historic Landmark District.

This Tour is a Walking Tour.

Harry S Truman in Independence Missouri Walking Tour

Created by Madeline Thompson on May 4th 2022, 12:12:58 am.

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Description

This walking tour includes stops at Independence landmarks related to the life of Harry S Truman, the 33rd President of the United States. While in office, Truman presided over the end of World War II and made efforts to use the power of the federal government to confront poverty and some of the most prevalent forms of racial discrimination. These domestic efforts were often overshadowed by foreign policy initiatives related to the start of the Cold War, including the decision to send troops to Korea and the Truman Doctrine which would shape foreign policy for 40 years. Long before he would take these actions, however, Harry Truman was a young man shaped by people and institutions in Independence, Missouri. This tour traces his humble beginnings and showcases the places and events that shaped his worldview. The tour offers the chance to enjoy a walk through Independence as you learn about the Truman family, Harry Truman's first occupations, and the lasting legacy of Truman's life in the community he called home. In addition to this tour which focusses on Independence, there are several Clio entries for other landmarks in the Kansas City metro related to Truman's life such as the Truman Family Farm in Grandview: https://theclio.com/entry/37844

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