Independence (Missouri)

Jackson County

29-35000

Independence is a city in the western part of the U.S. state of Missouri and is located in the metropolitan area of ​​Kansas City. According to census of 2010 the city had 116 830 inhabitants. It is the seat of government ( county seat ) of Jackson County.

The city covers an area of 203 km ², population density is thus 558 inhabitants per km ².

History

Independence was founded on March 29, 1827 and quickly became an important city of the borderland. She had the westernmost navigable port on the Missouri that could be achieved with steam ships.

Mid-19th century Independence was chosen as the starting point of the Oregon Trail.

Major sons and daughters of the town

The U.S. President Harry S Truman was born in Lamar, Missouri grew up here and was elected in 1922 as executive officer to the local " County Court ". After his presidency, he returned to Independence and established here his presidential library ( Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum ). His wife, Bess Truman was also from Independence.

In Independence following people were born:

• Ginger Rogers (1911-1995), actress
• Charles S. Thomas (1897-1983), politician
• Daniel McVicar (born 1958 ), actor
• Margaret Weis ( born 1948 ), author

Independence has been twinned with Higashimurayama in Japan.