Black History Month Celebrates
Historic Sites and Attractions
Ghosts
of Civil War soldiers, gold miners heading to the fabled
California coast, and former slaves who helped build
up the frontier settlement of Independence, Missouri
seem to roam the historic buildings and landscape in
this modern-day place. Just minutes east of Kansas City
lies the city of Independence, once a booming pioneer
town on the edge of civilization and the jumping off
point for the California, Oregon and Santa Fe westward
trails.
Many
early residents of Independence emigrated from the South
and quite naturally brought their slaves with them.
It was common for slaves to be bought and sold on the
old courthouse steps. Although there are few records
of the names of these slaves, their legacy lives on
in the proud finished products of their labor. Slaves
were instrumental in the building of roads that were
required for the westward expansion. They also were
often responsible for the excellent craftsmanship that
was reflected in early brick homes and buildings in
Independence. One structure, crafted out of large native
limestone squares, was the 1859 Jail, 217 N. Main, still
standing and open for tours today. It was built in three
months, an almost unheard of feat for such a substantial
building.
But
slaves were not the only African American people who
came to Independence. Free black pioneers found their
way here as well, including a number who became the
town's leading citizens. Perhaps the most influential
of the free blacks was a man named Hiram Young, who,
with his wife, opened what would become one of the most
successful blacksmith shops in the city. Hiram was known
for opening his home to ethnic minorities such as Irish
immigrants. He also purchased slaves in order to grant
them their freedom. Hiram was a great believer in education
and was a founder of a public school for black children.
Another
famous black citizens was Emily Fisher, who operated
a successful hotel on the Square. Her hotel was known
for its outstanding service and became very popular
with travelers along the westward trails. She also invented
an ointment that proved to have good healing qualities.
Emily donated bricks for the building of the Second
Baptist Church, 116 E. White Oak, still standing and
being used today as a house of worship.
After
the Civil War, blacks had a difficult time finding employment
and a number of discouraged men turned to crime. When
a nun named Sister Mary Jerome Shubrick discovered the
miserable conditions in the county jail among blacks,
she began visiting them, smuggling in food and books
to share. She also wrote letters to their families for
them. Because she was so loved and trusted, she was
given her own key to the jail. When she died in 1894,
her tombstone read: "The Prisoner's Friend".
Modern
Sites and Attractions of Interest
Here
we've compiled a list of a few of Independence's most
notable historic attractions and sites. When you visit
Missouri, make sure to search out and stop at the following
places which offer ties to African-American legacy and
celebrate in black heritage.
The 1827 Log Courthouse - 107 W. Kansas Avenue,
for many years the only Courthouse between the Mississippi
River and the Pacific Ocean. This building was constructed
by slave Samuel Shepherd and its sturdy walnut timbers
served for a time as the courtroom by Administrative
Judge Harry Truman before he became President of the
United States. The courthouse is closed November-March
for the winter.There is no phone at the courthouse,
but information is available by calling Tourism at 816-325-7111
or toll free at 800-748-7323.
The 1859 Jail - 217 N. Main, which operated as
the county jail from pre-Civil War time through 1910.
The jail was also built by noted slaves who were master
stonemasons. The 2 foot thick limestone walls housed
famous guerillas such as William Clark Quantrill of
Quantrill's Raiders, Southern sympathizers during the
Civil War and famous outlaws like Frank James, brother
of Jesse James, and a leader of the James Gang. For
more information, phone 816-252-1892 or visit www.jchs.org.
Woodlawn Cemetery - 701 W. Noland Road, which
is the final resting place of many prominent black citizens
of Independence.
The National Frontier Trails Museum - 318 W.
Pacific, which, in addition to major displays about
the westward trails, mountain men and trappers, houses
an exhibit of interest. Entitled: "I Remain Your
Affectionate Wife," the exhibit spotlights seven
original letters to a free black man who followed the
California trail. The Gold Rush captured the imagination
of the entire nation. Thousand of enterprising people
filled with hopes and dreams of wealth migrated to California
to "strike it rich." Among these emigrants
was David Brown, an African-American who settled in
California. Left behind in Ohio was his wife, Rachel
Brown. In these extraordinary letters, she describes
her life without her man, her loneliness, and her hopes
for a future life with David. Sadly, David and Rachel
were never re-united. Admission is $6.00 per person.
For more information phone 816-325-7575 or visit www.frontiertrailscenter.com.
The Truman Presidential Museum and Library -
500 U.S. 24 Highway, offers a glimpse into modern black
history in a permanent exhibit where the desegregation
of the armed forces is explored. One of the interactive
"decision theaters" also includes a segment
which explains Truman's actions in pursuing desegregation,
an act which was highly controversial at the time. Museum
admission is $7 adults, $5 seniors, $3 youth, under
6 free. Fore more information phone 816-268-8200 or
visit www.trumanlibrary.com.
(Source: Independence
Tourism ) |
