Best Web Design in Independence, MO (2026)

Web Design for Independence, Missouri

Independence was the great launching point of the American frontier, the farthest steamboat landing up the Missouri River where pioneers outfitted their wagons for the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California Trails. It is also the hometown of President Harry S. Truman and a sacred center for the Latter Day Saint movement, giving one modest Missouri city an outsized place in national history.

AppWT works with Independence, MO businesses from Livonia, Michigan, mostly online and travelling as needed.

About Independence

Also known as. Queen City of the Trails. Where the Trails Start and the Buck Stops (motto).

History. Founded on March 29, 1827, as a frontier town and the westernmost point steamboats could reach on the Missouri River Became the jumping-off point for the Santa Fe Trail (begun 1821) and later the Oregon and California Trails In 1831 Joseph Smith brought the Latter Day Saints to claim Independence as 'Zion' and designated a Temple Lot; the Saints were driven out in 1833 Hometown of President Harry S. Truman, who popularized 'The Buck Stops Here' Residents prospered outfitting westbound emigrants with wagons and supplies

Local economy. Independence School District is the top employer (about 2,200 employees) Northrop Grumman Innovation Systems is a major defense/aerospace employer (about 1,722 employees) Centerpoint Medical Center anchors local healthcare (about 1,400 employees) Government Employee Health Association (GEHA) is headquartered in the area City of Independence government is a leading employer (about 1,097 employees)

Culture and community. Santa-Cali-Gon Days, a Labor Day festival held since 1940 and continuously since 1973, celebrates the three frontier trails (its name blends Santa Fe, California, and Oregon) The Vaile Strawberry Festival is held the first Saturday of June Notable figures include President Harry S. Truman, First Lady Bess Truman, actress Ginger Rogers, and author Jim Butcher Baseball star Albert Pujols attended high school in Independence The Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) maintains its international headquarters here

What makes Independence distinct. The Community of Christ Temple, designed by architect Gyo Obata and dedicated April 17, 1994, rises about 300 feet in a nautilus-shell spiral said to reflect the Fibonacci sequence; its sanctuary organ has 5,685 pipes Leila's Hair Museum displays roughly 1,500 Victorian-era pieces of art and jewelry made from human hair The Puppetry Arts Institute preserves collections from what was once the world's largest puppet factory Three major westward trails historically started in or near the city, earning the 'Queen City of the Trails' nickname Sister-city relationship with Higashimurayama, Tokyo, since 1978

Independence Landmarks and Local Life

• Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum - where Truman and Bess Truman are buried
• Harry S Truman National Historic Site (the Truman Home) at 219 North Delaware Street - Truman's residence from 1919 until his death in 1972
• Vaile Mansion - a 31-room Gilded Age mansion built by tycoon Harvey Vaile in 1881
• Bingham-Waggoner Estate
• 1827 Log Courthouse
• Community of Christ Temple with its stainless steel spiral spire