Walkin’ with Harry: Taking Independence’s Truman trail

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Harry S. Truman was the “walking president.” He took daily walks during his time in the White House, including a walk to the bank to personally deposit his presidential paycheck. That’s unheard of today, for a lot of reasons. He had a four-man detail that would travel with him, basically surrounding him as he walked the streets around the White House.

Truman continued those walks long after leaving the White House for private life in his hometown of Independence, Missouri. He apparently enjoyed a specific path that would take him 2.7 miles, and include the business district, as well as neighborhoods. He would occasionally walk to the presidential library and museum opened in his honor. He would sometimes even lead tours. Can you imagine?

It makes sense that the Independence tourism bureau would offer a Truman walking trail, right? And, then, wouldn’t it make sense that bloggers called The Walking Tourists would walk the route? Well, I did. Lisa was attending an all-day conference in downtown Kansas City.

After figuring out the walking map (more like figuring out my directions), off I went. I started at the Truman courthouse square. A statue of the president is on one end of the square, while a statue of Andrew Jackson is at the other end. The courthouse does offer tours, but I arrived too late that day. Next time.

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The walking trail map offers visitors more than 40 locations of interest – from Truman’s first job at the Clinton drug store to his childhood home site. In between, many of the attractions are houses of neighbors and friends important to the Trumans.

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I set out to find the locations that were of key interest to me. Near the National Park Service’s visitors center downtown, an old marshal’s house and jail are noted. Built in 1859, the jail operated during the Civil War. Among its “visitors” were Frank James (of the James Gang) and southern sympathizer and guerrilla William Quantrill. Jesse and Frank served with Quantrill.

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While not truly related to a Truman story, the Maple Building was noted as the first fireproof building in Independence. The original burned down. Only kidding (I think).

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The First United Methodist Church in Independence was the first for Jackson County. It was founded in 1835 with 10 members. The present Gothic style building was constructed in 1859. It was renovated in 1929 and 1976.

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Veterans of all American wars and conflicts are recognized with memorials at the Truman Memorial Building. I love visiting war and veterans memorials, mainly because the names of the plaques earned their spot. Probably, the single memorial that goes directly to my heart is the Army’s, with the helmet atop the rifle with a soldier’s boots at rest. I find it appropriate that the memorials are located there.

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The First Presbyterian Church played a major role in Truman’s life. It was here that he met his future wife, Bess, in 1892. They met in Sunday school. The church was in the area beginning in 1826.

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If you’re interested, an unmarked building was the site of Truman’s barber. Sometimes, I think me goes a bit overboard in finding places of interest to me.

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The Bundschu house is one of the residences where friends and acquaintances of the Trumans lived. The house is just a short walk from Truman’s home.

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Possibly, the most famous tree in Independence stands near the Bundschu house. The Gingko Tree was recognized by the former president often during his daily walks. He supposedly was overheard telling the tree it was doing a fine job.

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The president’s home is probably the most popular stop along the trail. It was the summer White House during his administration. He and Bess lived there following his presidency.

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A couple of houses next to the Trumans were homes for Bess’ brothers.

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Continuing the walk back toward the town’s center, I came upon the First Baptist Church. While the church practiced in the area beginning in 1845, it moved to the current location in 1889.

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While Harry and Bess met at the Methodist church, they were married in 1919 at the Trinity Episcopal Church. The church building was constructed in 1881.

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My final stop on the self-guided tour was Truman’s childhood home. It has obviously been remodeled over the years. But, can you imagine being the person who bought the house that one of the nation’s most famous presidents grew up in?

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My tour scratched the surface of all things Harry S. Truman. I recommend checking out Independence, the Truman walking trail, presidential library and museum, as well as the other attractions offered in the area.

For more information on Independence and its attractions, please visit www.ci.independence.mo.us, www.visitkc.com and www.visitmo.com.