| Abstract | Story of the town of Independence, Missouri, and its involvement with early overland trail outfitting. Founded in 1827, situated three miles from Wayne City Landing on the Missouri River. It is the county seat for Jackson County. By the late 1840s, Independence, Westport, and St. Joseph all vied for dominance in the trail trade. "To the western emigrant Independence was many things--a welcome outfitting post, a resting place, a postal station to receive correspondence from back home, a rendezvous point for friends and fellow travelers. It was the last chance to enjoy the comforts of 'civilization'--saloons, hotels, brothels, gambling houses, doctors, pharmacists, lawyers, ready-made goods and old friends." (p.73) |
