Last updated: March 11, 2024
Place
Independence Courthouse Square- Truman Courthouse
Quick Facts
Location:
Lexington Avenue and Liberty Street, Independence, Missouri
Significance:
The official start of the Oregon Trail
MANAGED BY:
Amenities
4 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Restroom, Wheelchair Accessible
Historic Truman Courthouse is the official start of the Oregon Trail, where wagons were outfitted through much of the emigration era. The original building on the site went up in 1836 in the Colonial Revival style. For over 175 years, the courthouse building has undergone many changes with major renovations and additions in 1848, 1873, 1887, and 1907. Today, the Historic Truman Courthouse is the permanent home of the Jackson County Historical Society and contains a History Center, an Archives and Research Center (available by appointment), the Jackson County Museum of Art, and Harry S Truman's office and courtroom.
Site Information
Location (Lexington Avenue and Liberty Street, Independence, Missouri)
Take time to explore the surrounding grounds- the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails all marked Independence Square as their starting point.