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Harry S. Truman

The only president from Missouri was born on this date in 1884.

Lilburn Boggs

An unknown assassin shot former governor Lilburn Boggs on this date in 1842.

September 4 Independence Missouri Map Via Library Of Congress Credit Ruger A

Missouri History Today September 4, 2022: Independence Celebrates 50 Golden Years of SantaCaliGon Days Festival

Female Ballroom Performer S Feet During Dance.freepikjpg

The American actress and dancer Ginger Rogers is perhaps best known for partnering with famed dapper dancer, Fred Astaire. It’s often said Rogers was a better dancer than Astaire, given that she was the one going backwards and wearing heels! The duo starred in 10 films together, including 1933’s “Flying Down To Rio,” 1934’s “The …

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Covered Wagon Roger Lipera Ffpmpjvg4b4 Unsplash

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”196829″]The first emigrant wagon train bound for the state of California left Independence on a 1,730 mile journey on this date in 1841. There were 70 men, women, and children in 15 wagons in what was known as the Bidwell-Bartleson group.  In Idaho, about half the original party decided to take the easier …

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Jay Heike Civuekjoote Unsplash

On this day in Missouri History, one worker died and four others were injured in an explosion at The Lake City Army ammunition plant in Independence, Missouri.  It happened in a building where chemicals are mixed, according to Army officials. Other explosions have occurred at the same plant – a 1990 blast killed one worker …

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When our editor toured the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence, she came away with a heightened appreciation for the only Missourian to serve as president of the United States. Here’s why you should visit, too.

Alversia Pettigrew, a former student of the Hiram Young School

Hiram Young was extraordinary: An enslaved man who bought his freedom, created opportunities for freedom for countless others, invested in his community, and lived in such a way that his life had a lasting impact on the future.

Donner Party 13130

The Donner Party left Independence on this day headed for California. A phony map and bad advice left them stranded in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in winter where they resorted to cannibalism for survival.

Carrie Nation

Carrie Nation was born. She lived in Belton on a farm in Cass County and in Independence. This ax-swinging temperance advocate was famous for smashing saloons.

Ginger Rogers Home

The actress, dancer, and singer was born in a home in Independence. This year, it went on the market and sold for $111,500.

Local Missouri Artists

Independence duo Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear release their most intimate music yet on Started with a Family.

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There’s no other way to describe the Vaile Mansion during the holiday season. Each year, the Victorian Society—a volunteer group dedicated to the mansion’s preservation—selects a Christmas theme and begins to deck the halls of this historic Second Empire-style home.