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David McCullough, noted biographer and author of the acclaimed
biography of Harry S. Truman, once said of Jackson County, Missouri, “I can’t
think of another piece of landscape of similar size where so many things have
happened that have been significant in the story of America.” Our county, like so many across our nation, has a rich history. A history filled with diverse events
and shaped by personalities that make us the community we are today. It was pioneer spirit and ingenuity
that grew this tiny area on the Missouri River from a handful of scattered
hamlets to a strong and prosperous regional metropolis. From the bloody border wars of the
1850’s and 60’s to the rise of a unified metropolitan area which straddles
that very border. From the
violent ousting of Joseph Smith and his followers to their return and the
eventual rise of a temple in the Independence skyline. And from dusty trails leaving the
Square in Independence in all directions to eventually form the basis of a
comprehensive county road system. The office of County Executive, Katheryn Shields and the Jackson
County Historical Society are pleased to join together to share the stories
of our past and discover new ones in a year long celebration titled… Jackson County: Challenges and Triumphs 1826 - 2001 The official date of Jackson
County’s inception is December 15, 1826. Historical Society staff, volunteers, and Board members
are working together to plan celebration activities that will involve and
engage the public. Not only will existing
educational programming continue, but special exhibits highlighting the
history and future of Jackson County will be showing up in unexpected places
across the metropolitan area. Read Jackson
County, Missouri’s 175-Year History in a Nutshell by the Jackson
County Historical Society. For a brief timeline of
Jackson County, Missouri, history, click here. Throughout the celebration
JCHS and the County Government will honor individuals who have helped the
county overcome its challenges and who have overcome their own challenges to
contribute positively to county progress. Click
here for the 175th Anniversary Legacy List. Consider how you may support
the Jackson County Historical Society as it pursues its mission to preserve
and make available the county’s rich history. Jackson County Historical
Society’s 175th Anniversary Committee are: Chair- Mary C. King Education – Bill
Worley, PhD. Site Development – Brian
Snyder Annual Meeting – Colleen
Foudree and Sue Hammett Fund Development – Anton
Jacobs Public Relations/ Marketing –
Pat O’Neill & Tracy Marvel |
