INDEPENDENCE
1859 JAIL MUSEUM IS A MUST-SEE FOR HISTORY BUFFS
HISTORY COMES ALIVE ON MAIN STREET 1849
You’re WANTED here! Step back in time with Main Street 1849!
FOOD AND LOCATION SPOTLIGHTS
A secret garden with great food awaits
2023 OFFICIAL VISITORS GUIDE
QUARTERLY ISSUE
2 | Independence Visitor Guide 2023 FEATURES TABLE OF CONTENTS 03 1859 JAIL MUSEUM IS A MUST-SEE FOR HISTORY BUFFS History, outlaws, and hauntings all in one location –the 1859 Jail Museum. 04 HISTORY COMES ALIVE ON MAIN STREET 1849 Experience the sights and sounds of 1849 with a visit to Main Street 1849 at the SantaCaliGon Festival! 05 FOOD AND LOCATION SPOTLIGHTS Independence is more than great history – it has great food and great venues too! Make your Great American Story here! VISIT INDEPENDENCE This publication was created by the City of Independence and paid for by local guest tax proceeds. Learn more about the City of Independence at independencemo.org. 2023. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited. 416 W. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050 (816) 325-7575 Visitindependence.com Visit Independence is a division of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism at the City of Independence, Missouri. It is dedicated to promoting Independence as a convention and visitor destination.
1859 JAIL MUSEUM IS A MUST-SEE FOR HISTORY BUFFS
LIFE IN THE FRONTIER JAIL
Independence is home to amazing history, and the 1859 Jail Museum is one of the oldest surviving structures in Jackson County. This once-active jailhouse served as a home for the jailers, their families, and the criminals who occupied the cells. Come along to learn about the history and hauntings of this historic gem.
Not only did the jail hold the prisoners, the jailor or deputy and their family lived and worked in this building too. The front of the building served as the home of the jailer. The wife of the jailer often cooked meals for the family and those that occupied the cells.
LIFE IN THE CELL BLOCK
The original jail consisted of 12 cells, 6 upstairs and 6 downstairs. Each cell was constructed with two-foot-thick limestone walls. The cells were six feet by nine feet. Each cell could hold up to three prisoners at a time; although, during the Civil War, up to 20 prisoners were placed in each cell, including women and children. Lighting was limited to a single kerosene lamp in the hallway. The prisoners often felt the elements from a small window covered with grated iron. The cell block had no heating or cooling. Some incarcerated people passed away from exposure to the elements during the jail’s history –which some believe may have led to hauntings.
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HISTORICALLY HAUNTED
Along with prisoner deaths, the jail had an unfortunate event that resulted in the death of one of the jailers. Henry Bugler and his family were the first to live in the home portion of the jail in 1859. On June 13, 1866, Henry was shot and killed between 10-11 PM by a group of 6-7 men. The group was speculated to be part of the Jesse James gang demanding the release of a horse thief named Joe Perry and another prisoner. Bugler was struck in the heart in a cascade of bullets. One of the men then ran into the home and set it ablaze. Bugler’s wife, Mary, would take over the remainder of his term as the jailor, all while being pregnant, mother to her six children, and up to ten orphans of Jackson County who were placed in her care by the Court. She became known as the only female jailor of the 1859 jail.
Want to know more about the 1859 Jail & Marshall Home Museum - like what famous criminals, political and wartime individuals spent time in jail cells? Blaze a trail to the historic 1859 Jail Museum to learn about the jailors, their families, and the prisoners of the jail with a visit to Independence. They’ve added more hours, making it easier than ever to experience this great story. Lock-in your visit soon.
HISTORY COMES ALIVE ON MAIN STREET
Experience the Great American West! Come see the Queen City of the Trails and learn how the West was made with a visit to Main Street 1849 at the SantaCaliGon Festival. Independence is your jumping-off point for the California, Mormon, Oregon, and Santa Fe Trails.
Imagine the excitement that filled the air as pioneers set forth on their journey into unknown lands. Listen to the sounds of cattle, oxen, mules, horses, chickens, and people chattering amongst each other with anticipation to begin their expedition. The taste of dust fills the air as the oxen and mules hitched to wagons paws at the ground, preparing for the long-expected crossing westward. Feel the wooden wagon wheels clap like rolling thunder as the trail is underway. Like the 500,000 fearless souls of yesteryear, the time has come for a new adventure!
Now it’s your turn! Embark on a chance to encounter how the West was made by walking through it live. Feel the majesty and thrill of what it was like to set out on the unknown exploration of unseen lands of the West. See wagons, walk the street, and partake in the past as you stop by Main Street 1849 at the SantaCaliGon Festival, September 1-4, 2023!
Plan your visit today at visitindependence.com. Your trail for the Great American West experience begins in Independence. We’ll see you on the Street!
HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS
Your trail for summer vacation begins with a visit to Independence! Although the temperature is heating up, we’re staying cool with plenty of activities for your enjoyment. From historic events to art and music, you’re sure to find the right activity that piques your interests here in Independence. Our summer is jam-packed with events for all ages. Your trail for family summer fun begins in Independence.
SQUARE SOIREE
JULY 21, 2023
COURTHOUSE EXCHANGE | 6-10PM
Join us along the historic Independence Square at Courthouse Exchange for our Square Soiree! Enjoy a night out filled with fun, shopping, music, and cocktails. You must be 21+ to attend.
SANTACALIGON FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2023
HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Join us for a celebration of Independence’s pioneer roots as the Queen City of the Trails! Join us for live music, food and drinks, shopping, entertainment, and more. This year’s lineup can be found at santacaligon. com
MAINSTREET 1849
ROOTED AMONG THE ASHES: HIBAKUJUMOKU/A-BOMBED TREES
MARCH 31-OCTOBER 1, 2023
HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
Visit the Harry S. Truman Library to see the traveling exhibit of the survivor trees, or hibakujumoku, of the atomic bomb in 1945. Learn more at trumanlibrary. gov.
FARMERS MARKET
JULY-OCTOBER
INDEPENDENCE UPTOWN MARKET | 8AM1PM
The Farmers’ Market is your stop for fresh produce, baked goods, crafts and more from our local farmers, businesses, and crafters!
MOONLIGHT MOVIES
EVERY THURSDAY IN JULY
PHARAOH CINEMA | 9:15PM
Join us on Thursdays in July for a FREE outdoor movie in the parking lot west of the Pharaoh Cinema on the corner of Liberty St. and Maple Ave.
SEPTEMBER 1-4, 2023
HISTORIC INDEPENDENCE SQUARE
Travel back to pioneer days at Main Street 1849! Pan for gold, visit the schoolhouse, and more as you experience the days of yesteryear! Come see us on Main Street at the SantaCaliGon Festival!
INDEPENDENCE WINEFEST UNCORKED
SEPTEMBER 9, 2023
BINGHAM-WAGGONER ESTATE | 1-6PM
Join us at the historic Bingham-Waggoner Estate for the 10th Annual Independence Uncorked Winefest! Sample wines from over 25 Missouri wineries while enjoying food, art, shopping, and music. Remember, the grape stops here! Visit independenceuncorked. com to learn more.
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SantaCaliGon Festival
Rooted Among the Ashes
Farmers Market
HUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL
SEPTEMBER 7-9, 2023
GEORGE OWENS NATURE PARK
We’re celebrating the smallest birds at the Annual Hummingbird Festival! Come see hummingbirds as they pass through Independence on their migration. See, hear, and learn everything about hummingbirds at this FREE event, perfect for all ages!
VAILE MANSION SCAVENGER HUNT
SEPTEMBER 9, 2023
VAILE MANSION | TBD
Join us at the historic Vaile Mansion for a scavenger hunt! For more information, visit vailemansion.org.
RE: ART FEST
SEPTEMBER 15-16, 2023
ENGLEWOOD ARTS DISTRICT
Join us for the first street art festival Re: ART Fests at the Englewood Arts District. Re: ART Fest is a one-of-a-kind expression of our community-wide commitment to the arts and preservation of the Englewood historic neighborhood. Re: ART Fest is presented by Englewood Arts benefitting The Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity. Sponsored by Speaks Chapel.
SPIRITS WITH THE SPIRITS
OCTOBER 7, 2023
VAILE MANSION | 5-8PM
Join us for the 3rd Annual Spirits with the Spirits at the historic Vaile Mansion! Enjoy spirits as you listen to stories of the spirits that reside in the Vaile Mansion. Purchase tickets at vailemansion.org
SOUNDS OF SUMMER
Independence is home to all kinds of sounds in the summertime. From music on the square to the sounds of nature, you're sure to feel at home when you visit.
FEEL THE BEAT
Nothing beats the sound of live music! Join us for Sounds on the Square at the Historic Independence Square. Each Saturday in July and August, you will find FREE live music on the square!
If you're looking for a more traditional music experience, we've just the ticket! Check out the Spirit of Independence Concert Band. Enjoy the sounds of percussions, winds, brass, and strings with our local concert band. Learn more about the Spirit of Independence Concert band at indep.us/ soiconcertband
GET BACK TO NATURE
Slow down with the soothing sounds of nature at George Owens Nature Park. From the trickling creeks to wildlife along the trails, you're sure to feel a little calmer as you step away from the hustle and bustle of life. Get away from the sounds of the city to enjoy the hidden gem of our 86-acre natural haven. Find more information about events, programs, activities, and the hiking trails at indep.us/georgeowens.
HEAR THE POWER OF STORYTELLING
Independence is home to great theatrical performances at our Powerhouse Theatre! Let yourself be transported to another time, place, and world with one of our fantastic productions. You can learn more about upcoming shows and events at indep.us/powerhousetheatre.
