Historic Preservation

The City of Independence has a rich and diverse architectural heritage with buildings dating from the early nineteenth century. The Historic Preservation Division is responsible for the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of these historic resources.

The City currently has one locally designated historic district, the Truman Heritage District, which is located just west of the Independence Courthouse Square. The National Park Service has also designated this neighborhood as a National Historic Landmark District. In addition, there are 25 Independence properties that have been designated as local Historic Landmarks and 23 properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places that are located throughout the city.

In March 2006, the City of Independence was declared a Preserve America Community. Preserve America is a White House initative that nationally recognizes the importance of the city’s continued efforts to preserve our local historical and architectural resources through historic preservation, heritage education and heritage tourism. Some of the city's nationally renowned resources recognized by the Preserve America certification include: the Harry S Truman Home, the Truman Presidential Library, The Vaile Mansion, the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the 1827 Log Courthouse, and the National Frontier Trails Museum.

Please select from the links listed to the side to learn more about our historic sites and preservation programs and how you can get involved. Also, be sure to check back as we regularly update our site.