Historic Sites

Jesse James

Jesse James Birthplace

21216 Jesse James Farm Road
Kearney, Missouri  64060
   
Phone: 816-736-8500

Jess James Museum Website

Visitors can walk the grounds of the James Samuel family farm and look through the doors into the cabin where the legend began.  Before walking the trail to the farmhouse, a twenty-minute movie recaps the history of Frank and Jesse James.  The museum displays the world’s largest collection of James family artifacts.  Jesse’s boots and Frank’s surrender letter are on display.  Guests then follow the paved winding trail to the farmhouse and walk alongside the creek where, as young boys, Frank and Jesse spent much of their time playing.  In the yard of the family home is Jesse’s original burial site, the place where his mother and brother Frank once sold souvenir rocks from his grave for twenty-five cents.

Jesse James Bank Museum

Jesse James Bank Museum103 North Water
Liberty, Missouri 64068

Phone: 816-736-8510

The Jesse James Bank Museum, located on the historic square in Liberty, Missouri, was the site of the nation's first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery. While the robbers were never caught, the crime was attributed to the infamous James gang. Visitors will see the bank as it was in 1866.

Mt. Gilead Church

Mt. Gilead Church15918 Plattsburg Road
Kearney, Missouri

Phone: 816-736-8500

Built in the 1870s Mt. Gilead Church can accommodate a variety of events, including weddings, family reunions, showers, picnics, and birthday parties. Please call to view the church and make your reservation.

Mt Gilead School

Mt Gilead School 15918 Plattsburg Road
Kearney, Missouri

Phone: 816-736-8500

Built in the 1870s Mt. Gilead School offers a unique field trip opportunity to experience history in a one-room school.  A teacher in period costume instructs the class in late 1880s style with McGuffey’s readers. Students use slates to practice penmanship and arithmetic. The four-hour program accommodates up to thirty participants.

Pharis Farm

Pharis Farm 20611 EE Highway
Liberty, Missouri

Phone: 816-736-8500

In 1927, Donald Pharis purchased a 160-acre farm east of Liberty, Missouri.  Mr. Pharis gave up teaching vocational agriculture to become a full-time farmer.  He encouraged other farmers and students to practice soil conservation and land preservation.  The Pharis Farm is open during special events.