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

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


Missouri’s Only Presidential Library Gets a Dazzling Makeover

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.


The enduring legacy of Hiram Young

The story is familiar, replicated by scores of people living and working in Missouri in the 1800s. It goes something like this: a person starts from humble beginnings, takes big risks in moving west to pursue new opportunities, starts simple and builds a trade or business, employs many people, offers essential products or services that make life possible, and in the end not only enjoys success but becomes a benefactor for the common good.
Those stories are common. What is rare is a person who was born into slavery and then did all those things, like Hiram Young.


May 12, 1846

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.


1,000 Miles of Missouri’s Most Unique Museums

A Gentle Giantess, a 250-ton boat that flies, and 550 vacuum cleaners


November 25, 1846

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.


2020 Discover the Best of Missouri Life Awards

The 2020 reader’s choice awards are here.