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Stellarossa: Independence, Missouri & Lawrence/Osawatomie, Kansas

Stellarossa: Independence, Missouri & Lawrence/Osawatomie, Kansas

Old Jan 3rd, 2001, 01:38 AM
  #1  
Tony Hughes
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Stellarossa: Independence, Missouri & Lawrence/Osawatomie, Kansas

As a part of the three month trip I was looking at visiting Indepedence, Missouri, as I know it was from there that many if not all of the trails (oregon, santa fe etc) originated from. Is there any sort of historical markers or visitors centre/museum there?

Secondly I've read a lot about Quantrill and his irregulars (which included a young Jesse James) and believe some of the action centered around Lawrence, again anything like a museum etc? What about at Osawatomie, Kansas, where John Brown and sons slaughtered those pro-slavery people?

Thanks

 
Old Jan 3rd, 2001, 05:54 AM
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Karl
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Tony
As I live in this area I will try to answer some of your questions. There is much history in Independence regarding the western migration. There is also a strong tie there to the Mormons and their exodus to Utah. Parts of the Santa Fe trail are still visible in some of the city parks in the area. Kansas City, MO, of which Independence is a suburb, also has lots of history with the trails and the US Civil War. The Battle of Westport was fought at several sites around the city and there is a marked trail one can follow with historical markers at each spot where skirmishes took place. The Westport area of Kansas City is where the city began and most of the wagon trains departed from there. Try to contact the Kansas City MO tourist/visitor agency for more information.

Lawrence, now best known as the home of the University of Kansas, has an interesting history. It was sacked and burned by Quantrill during the civil war and there is much history there as well. Again, you should contact the Lawrence tourist/visitor center for more information. The university also has a very nice natural history musuem.

Osawatomie has John Brown's home as an attraction. Best source for more information might be the state of Kansas visitor/tourist center.

All of the sites you mention are in close proximity to Kansas City, MO so I would suggest that you stay in Kansas City, probably on the Plaza (best shopping eating etc)and do day trips. Lawrence is only 40 miles or so, and Osawatomie maybe 50 or so. Independence is in the metroplex on east side. You might also want to consider Liberty, MO and St. Joseph, MO for more history dealing with Jesse James and Frank James. Kearney, MO has the James home on display. Again, all very close to Kansas City so base there and day trip it.

I think all of the tourist/visitor centers are on the web so a search should find them for you. Welcome to Kansas City and surrounds - I think you will enjoy it.
 
Old Jan 3rd, 2001, 06:13 AM
  #3  
Tony Hughes
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Karl, thank you

What's the weather like over your way in early-mid march. Should I expect snow?
 
Old Jan 3rd, 2001, 07:31 AM
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Karl
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Weather here is iffy at any time - as the saying goes, if you don't like the weather wait a couple of hours and it will change. Early to mid-March will be windy and cool. It is right on the cusp of spring, so it can be quite pleasant or on the other hand it can be cold and snowy. However, overall it should not be too bad. I would come prepared to expect cool weather with appropriate clothing. Not frigid mind you but it could be somewhat cold, perhaps highs in the 40s (F) lows in the 30s (F). If you get lucky it could be warmer.

Right now we are having more winter than we have had in a number of years. Several snow falls and very cold weather (yesterdays high was about 20 F)but the forecast is to be in the 40s by tomorrow, so it does change quickly. If the current weather is any sort of indication then March this year may be colder than it has been over last 4-5 years. Hope this helps.
 
Old Jan 3rd, 2001, 11:29 AM
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Tony Hughes
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Thanks Karl, some great info and advice that we'll heed when we get to your area.
 
Old Mar 29th, 2014, 05:59 PM
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Any information on President Truman's Library, etc. in Independence?
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Old Mar 30th, 2014, 09:35 AM
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This thread is over 13 years old--just making sure you knew that.

Here is the link for Truman's library in Independence:

http://www.trumanlibrary.org/

And his nearby home:

http://www.nps.gov/hstr/index.htm

Please note that operating hours at the home are more limited than they once were and the Truman Farm is no longer open to the public. As I recall, as those are both part of the National Park Service, they were the subject of budget cuts/the sequestration (I live in the area).

It's been years since I was at the Library, but it was interesting and well-maintained at the time, and has remained so as far as I know.
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