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 Liberty - Liberty, Mo. Posted by:  iconions
N 39° 14.791 W 094° 25.185
15S E 377486 N 4345093
This historical marker is located on the east side on the grounds of the Clay County Courthouse - 11 South Water Street in Liberty.
Waymark Code: WMC9K2
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 08/12/2011
Views: 10
This is another of the original Missouri State Historical Markers placed in the 1950's & 60's. This historical marker is located on the east side on the grounds of the Clay County Courthouse - 11 South Water Street in Liberty. The text of the marker reads:
Early border town, prominent trading and outfitting center, and one of the farthest northwest of U. S. towns to be based on southern culture and economy. Settled about 1820, mainly by southern pioneers, the town became the seat of justice for Clay County, 1822.
Many settlers of northwest Missouri and the far West outfitted here, as did caravans during the '49 Gold Rush. Liberty Landing, 4 miles south, was an important Missouri River port. Nearby is Liberty Bridge.
The Mexican War, 1846 - 1848, with promise of southwest territory and trade, was popular in Missouri and the State raised 1358 troops. Alexander W. Doniphan of Liberty led the First Regiment of Missouri Volunteers on a brilliant expedition covering 3,600 land and 2,000 water miles in 12 months, highlighted with victory at the Battle of Sacramento, 1847. Doniphan's grave is in Fairview Cemetery.
William Jewell College was chartered, 1849, under Baptist sponsorship. On the school's "Campus of Achievement" is Jewell Hall, a fine example of Classic - Revival architecture. The College maintains a museum.
(see other side)
The site of the U. S. Arsenal at Liberty Landing, raided in 1855 by pro-slavery men, recalls the Kansas - Missouri border disputes over the extension of slavery. The arsenal was raided again, April 1861, constituting the first civilian Civil War hostility against the Federal government in the State. During and after the War, the area suffered greatly from guerrilla and outlaw depredations.
Jesse James (1847 - 1882), America's most fabulous outlaw, was born near Kearney, 10 miles northeast. Jesse and his brother Frank were members of Quantrill's Confederate guerrilla band.
Excelsior Springs, founded in 1880, famous spa of the Midwest, with its unusual Hall of Waters, is 15 miles northeast. North Kansas City, an industrial expansion, founded, 1912, by a development company, is 12 miles southwest. Near Excelsior Springs is the pre-Civil War Watkins Woolen Mill, and near Liberty is "Multnomah" home of Indian agent Major John Dougherty (1791 - 1860).
In Liberty is the site of the jail where Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith was held, 1838.
Erected by State Historical Society of Missouri and State Highway Commission, 1953.
History of Mark:
This is another of the original set of markers placed by the State of Missouri in the 1950's and 60's.
Erected by State Historical Society of Missouri and State Highway Commission, 1953.
Corrections and updates since markers erection:
1. In 1864 the Waltus Watkins farm and mill became Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site. The site is located next to Watkins Mill State Park, donated to the state by the citizens of Clay County in 1963. A fire set by vandals destroyed the neglected and abandoned Multnomah on April 13, 1963.
2. In 1963 the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints built Historic Liberty Jail, a visitors' center, to house the 1833 jail.
Built in 1822, the log house where Frank and Jesse James were born, with its 1893 frame addition, is operated as a museum by Clay County Parks, Recreations, and Historic Sites.
Web link: Not listed
Additional point: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
A clear picture of the Marker or Plaque taken by you.
Also would appreciate you input on the text and location.
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