On Kansas Street at Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Kansas Street.
This property
built in c.1894
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68153) HM
On Kansas Street east of Main Street, on the right when traveling east.
This property built in c.1886
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68157) HM
On Kansas Street east of Main Street, on the right when traveling east.
This property built in c.1875
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68187) HM
On Kansas Street east of Main Street, on the right when traveling east.
This property
built in c.1880
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68188) HM
On Main Street south of Franklin Street, on the right when traveling south.
This property
built in 1885
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68129) HM
On Kansas Street east of Main Street, on the right when traveling east.
This property
built in c.1875
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68189) HM
On Main Street south of Franklin Street, on the right when traveling south.
This property
built in 1885
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68127) HM
On Kansas Street at Water Street, on the right when traveling east on Kansas Street.
This property
built in c. 1877;1915
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68190) HM
On Main Street north of Franklin Street, on the right when traveling north.
While living on this site in the 1830's, Alexander Doniphan championed the Constitutional rights of an oppressed people to ensure their religious freedom. He helped create Caldwell County as a refuge for the Mormons in 1836 and refused to carry out . . . — — Map (db m68243) HM
Near West Shrader Street west of Gallatin Strret, on the left when traveling west.
Kate “Katie” Atchison Gordon Nelson (1877 – 1953)
Kate “Katie” Atchison Gordon Nelson was born in Liberty, Missouri in 1877. Descendants claimed that she told her family that her biological father was David Rice Atchison, the proslavery . . . — — Map (db m274429) HM
On Southview Drive at Ruth Ewing Road, on the left when traveling south on Southview Drive.
In September of 1861, Liberty and Clay County briefly became a focal point during the American Civil War in Missouri. Near this site, the Battle of Liberty was a decisive victory achieved by the pro-Southern Missouri State Guard against Union . . . — — Map (db m245595) HM
Near Missouri State Highway EE (Missouri Route EE) 0.5 miles south of Missouri Highway H.
Built by Daniel Bell in 1858, an impressive ante-bellum mansion, restored by present owner, Donald Pharis, who also re-erected an early day log cabin here from nearby Richmond. — — Map (db m80964) HM
On Kansas Street at Main Street, on the right when traveling east on Kansas Street.
This property built in c.1895
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993
Formerly the Messick Hotel, was purchased by Sterling Price Boggess in 1902 and operated . . . — — Map (db m68155) HM
Near West Shrader Street west of Gallatin Street, on the right when traveling east.
Jesse Dodd, Sr.
(1906-1992)
A Liberty entrepreneur, Jesse Dodd, Sr. was the son of Robert and Anna Belle Dodd, who settled in Clay County during the Great Migration from Bowling Green, Kentucky. Jesse completed his education at Garrison . . . — — Map (db m274075) HM
On West Shrader Street west of Gallatin Street, on the right when traveling east.
Fairview Cemetery/New Hope Cemetery
Fairview Cemetery was established in 1858 and so named because it overlooked what once were the community’s fairgrounds (to the south). Those fairgrounds were acquired by the City of Liberty in 1901 and . . . — — Map (db m273777) HM
On West Mill Street at Gallatin Street, on the right when traveling west on West Mill Street.
"Not everyone can be famous but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love." - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Missouri Route 291 at Kent Street, on the right when traveling west on Missouri Route 291.
In September 1948, the Clay County Horse Show Association needed a facility to host their annual shows. In cooperation with the Liberty Chamber of Commerce, they proposed) purchasing a 12 acre tract that would be deeded to the city as a park. In . . . — — Map (db m273027) HM
Near East Mississippi Street 0.1 miles east of North Jewell Street.
Jewell Hall was used as a hospital and barracks and this hill was fortified by Federal troops under Col. John Scott after their defeat at the Battle of Blue Mills Ferry, Sept. 17, 1861. A line of rifle pits was thrown up from the present location of . . . — — Map (db m45555) HM
On Franklin Street at Water Street, on the left when traveling west on Franklin Street.
[Front]
"Come, drink, all who thirst for freedom: The water fountain will no longer separate us as a people."
During the Civil War era, one of every four Clay County residents was of African descent. Although sold in slave auctions and . . . — — Map (db m68207) HM
Memorial to the
Veterans of the American Revolution
who once resided in Clay County
James Arnold • William Boydston • Samuel Brown • Robert Burnside • William C. Corum • James Crowley • Joel Estes • Henry Green • Thomas Holland • John . . . — — Map (db m68270) WM
On Kansas Street at Main Street, on the left when traveling east on Kansas Street.
This property built in 1935-36
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68186) HM
On Main Street south of Franklin Street, on the right when traveling south.
Drugstore built in 1877 by Daniel Hughes. Owned by Wm. Goodson after 1908. Operated by Joseph Simmons until 1945, then by Clarence Ferril. Purchased from Goodson estate complete with furnishings by Historical Museum in 1965. Walnut cabinets are . . . — — Map (db m68128) HM
On East Kansas Street at South Leonard Street, on the right when traveling east on East Kansas Street.
Clay County’s Roll of Honor
J.D. Jack · William Edward Blevins ·
James Phillip Irminger · Coleby C. Cowherd-Corp. ·
Clyde Gustine · Seldon Howe Murray-Corp. ·
Earl D. Chanslor · Stanley Barnett ·
Carl Fred Musbach · Jasper A. . . . — — Map (db m281872) WM
On Shrader Street east of Gallatin Street, on the left when traveling east.
was born Dec. 24, 1786
Died in Clay Co. Mo. Oct. 24, 1847
Col. commanding 28 Regt, 3 Brig.
1st Div. Mo. Militia from
1824 to 1829 on the
extreme western border of Mo.
during the Indian troubles.
He represented Clay Co. in the . . . — — Map (db m68107) HM WM
On Shrader Street west of Gallatin Street, on the left when traveling east.
Erected in honor of the
Confederate Soldiers
of Clay County, Mo.
1904.
In memory of the
Daughters of the Confederacy
of Clay County, Mo.
This monument erected through
the liberality of citizens of
Clay County was concived . . . — — Map (db m68105) WM
On Main Street 0.1 miles south of East Mississippi Street, on the right when traveling south.
From circa 1830 until 1925 a house stood on this site once occupied by Alexander W. Doniphan. A native Kentuckian, Doniphan practiced law in Clay County for 30 years, defended the Mormons, and founded William Jewell College. During the Mexican War . . . — — Map (db m81735) HM
On Water Street north of Mill Street, on the left when traveling north.
Originally John Owens' log tavern near Liberty Spring. Used for court sessions until 1831, when the permanent court house was built on the square.
Bicentennial 1976 — — Map (db m68310) HM
On Main Street at Kansas Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street.
This property
built in 1923
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68130) HM
On West Shrader St west of Gallatin Street, on the right when traveling east.
From Chattel to Citizens 1822-1865
Liberty’s white settlers came primarily from the southern states of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee, and the use of enslaved workers was common in Clay County from the time of its organization in 1822. . . . — — Map (db m273914) HM
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson buys the Louisiana Purchase from France for $15 million. It remains one of the greatest acquisitions in American history. In 1804, Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore and map the . . . — — Map (db m68373) HM
On Franklin Street at Leonard Street, on the left when traveling east on Franklin Street.
This property built in 1940
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68235) HM
On North Water Street 0.2 miles north of East/West Mississippi Street when traveling north.
Following statehood in 1821, the education of enslaved and free African Americans was discouraged in Missouri. Abolitionist literature and the fear of possible revolts by the enslaved led the Missouri General Assembly to pass a literacy law in . . . — — Map (db m252168) HM
On Shrader Street east of Gallatin Street, on the left when traveling east.
Born in Mason Co. Ky.
July 3, 1808,
and died at Richmond Mo.
Aug. 8, 1887
An orator, jurist, statesman,
soldier and a Christian
———————
Colonel commanding the United
States troops at the . . . — — Map (db m68106) HM WM
On Mississippi Street at Leonard Street, on the left when traveling east on Mississippi Street.
"Steamboat Gothic" design, circa 1870's. Owned by Manheim Goldman, the first permanent Jewish settler in the metropolitan area who operated a store in Liberty. Twice Mayor of Liberty, a founder and chief benefactor of the Odd Fellows Home. . . . — — Map (db m68239) HM
On Mississippi Street east of Jewell Street, on the left when traveling east.
This plaque was presented to
the church December, 1963,
in memory of
Mr. Hadley Brown (1887-1962),
who helped to construct
this building in 1918. — — Map (db m68266) HM
On Grover Street south of Corbin Street, on the right when traveling south.
Betty Lou was family to so much of Liberty, and beloved by so many of Liberty's animals. She spent nearly a decade creating relationships with Liberty's pets and caring for them in very personable ways through her business All Your Pets. In the hope . . . — — Map (db m273225) HM
On Water Street north of Mill Street, on the left when traveling north.
In 1849 William Jewell College was founded by Dr. William Jewell under the auspices of the Missouri Baptist Convention. Jewell Hall is on the National Register of Historic Places. Liberty Ladies College, a private college for women, was opened in . . . — — Map (db m68314) HM
On South Withers Road 0.1 miles south of Owens Drive, on the right when traveling south.
This trail follows the original route of the Kansas City, Clay County and St. Joseph Railroad through Westboro-Canterbury Park. The "Interurban" provided commuter and freight service to this area beginning January 21, 1913.
Located just . . . — — Map (db m245220) HM
Near Park Lane south of Broadmore Lane, on the right when traveling south.
This portion of the Westboro-Canterbury Greenway Trail originally served as the right-of-way for the Kansas City, Clay County and St. Joseph Railroad. The "Interurban" was a passenger and freight rail system that operated from 1913-1933 on two . . . — — Map (db m245169) HM
On Water Street north of Franklin Street, on the right when traveling north.
Built in 1858, only ante-bellum building remaining on the square. Originally housed a branch of the Farmer's Bank. Scene of first daylight robbery in 1866, supposedly by James-Younger gang. Restored to original appearance by Jack Wymore. . . . — — Map (db m68210) HM
On Water Street, on the right when traveling north.
John Dougherty, a wealthy landowner and Indian agent, stands before his Little Dixie plantation, Multnomah. Dougherty witnessed the area's early history unfold between his birth in 1791 and his death in 1860. As depicted in these ceramic murals, . . . — — Map (db m68269) HM
Near Miller Avenue 0 miles east of North Jewell Street.
Built in 1905 for William Jewell College by St. Louis business owner A.D. Brown. First occupants were Dr. John Priest Greene and Elizabeth Wikoff Greene. Dr. Greene was the longest-serving president of the College: 1892-1920 and 1921-1923. — — Map (db m152619) HM
Col. John Thornton, Elisha Cameron and James Gilmore served as the county's first administrative judges. They met at Owen's Tavern until a brick courthouse was built and later burns. In 1869, a second courthouse was constructed. A wooden statue . . . — — Map (db m68275) HM
On Mill Street (Missouri Route H) at Leonard Street ( Route 33), on the right when traveling east on Mill Street.
An Interurban Train Depot once stood just east of this location. Erected in January 1913 by the Kansas City, Clay County and St. Joseph Railway, the depot served as a terminal for passenger and freight service as part of an electric railway that . . . — — Map (db m68244) HM
On Old Missouri 210 0.5 miles east of Missouri Highway 291.
“The Deer in the Morning & evening are feeding in great numbers on the banks of the River, they feed on young willow, and amuse themselves running on the open beeches or points.” William Clark, June 25, 1804.
The Lewis and . . . — — Map (db m46694) HM
On Water Street at Mill Street, on the left when traveling north on Water Street.
The Clay County Fine Arts Council commissioned this mural in commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery expedition.
The artist's version shows the expedition stopping at sundown to set camp along a bend in . . . — — Map (db m68309) HM
On Water Street north of Kansas Street, on the left when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m81749) HM
On Southview Drive south of Seven Hills Road, on the left when traveling south.
The Missouri Depot, a Federal post more commonly known as Liberty Arsenal, sat on the bluffs a quarter-mile southwest of this marker and above the nearby Liberty Landing to the southeast. The arsenal, built in 1838, received munitions and supplies . . . — — Map (db m252181) HM
On Grover Street south of Corbin Street, on the right when traveling south.
This monument commemorates "Juneteenth," a celebration of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on June 19, 1865, slaves received word that they were officially free, thus we celebrate "Juneteenth" on June 19th every year as African American . . . — — Map (db m274238) HM
Near Old Missouri 210 0.5 miles east of Missouri Hiway 291.
The Liberty Landing, also known as Baxter’s Landing, located at the base of the bluffs one half mile west of Missouri 291 Highway, played a significant role in the history and development of Liberty, Missouri as well as Clay County. In use from 1829 . . . — — Map (db m46604) HM
On Water Street north of Franklin Street, on the left when traveling north.
This property built in 1923
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of Interior
1993 — — Map (db m68211) HM
On Grover Street south of Corbin Street, on the right when traveling south.
Samuel C. Houston, the first African American City Councilman in Liberty, Missouri organized a committee of community volunteers to host Juneteenth in Clay County on June 17, 1989 in Bennett Park. It was the first Juneteenth celebration held in a . . . — — Map (db m273128) HM
On Main Street at West Mississippi Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street.
Site of Liberty Jail built in 1833 and used by Clay County in 1856. Joseph Smith and associates held here awaiting trial in 1838-39. Restored as a Historic Site by the Mormon Church in 1963. — — Map (db m90343) HM
On Main Street at Mississippi Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street.
Organized in 1829, first building on this site in 1852, present one in 1888. Additions follow the same architectural pattern. This was the first "Old School" Presbyterian in the County. — — Map (db m68241) HM
On Main Street north of Franklin Street, on the left when traveling north.
Established by Robert Hugh Miller in 1846, and continually published since. Oldest weekly newspaper west of the Mississippi River. Has had several locations. Bought by Townsend Publications. — — Map (db m68212) HM
On North Water Street 0.1 miles north of East Mississippi Street, on the right when traveling north.
Built in 1852 by Major Alvan Lightburne as his private residence. This 24 room Greek Revival plantation home is one of Northwest Missouri’s largest surviving antebellum mansions. Union soldiers camped on the grounds during the Civil War. Restored in . . . — — Map (db m46678) HM
On Shrader Street east of Gallatin Street, on the left when traveling east.
A pupil of Mary Lyon,
Mt. Holyoke Seminary, Mass.
Twenty-five years a teacher in
Central and Western Mo., and
with her husband, James Love,
A.D. 1855, founded Clay Seminary — — Map (db m68110) HM
Near North La Frenz Road north of Mary Lane, on the right when traveling north.
From 1913 to 1933, the Kansas City, Clay County & St. Joseph (KCCC&SJ) Railway provided high-speed electric rail service, linking Kansas City with North Kansas City, Liberty, and Excelsior Springs. This commuter and freight railroad was commonly . . . — — Map (db m284431) HM
Near East Mississippi Street 0.1 miles east of North Jewell Street.
The undulations in the ground behind this plaque mark the site of the mass burial of 17 men killed at the Battle of Liberty on September 17, 1861. These Federal soldiers came to Liberty to prevent Confederates from joining General Price at the seige . . . — — Map (db m45569) HM
On Grover Street north of West Mississippi Street, on the right when traveling north.
In 1973, a compassionate vision ignited a movement. Bill Riggs, a minister at Second Baptist Church, witnessed firsthand the struggles of elderly congregants who were going hungry.
Inspired by their plight, he and a dedicated group of . . . — — Map (db m273127) HM
On Leonard Street 0.1 miles south of Kansas Street, on the right when traveling north.
This small frame church was built circa 1842 and is one of the oldest remaining buildings in Liberty. It is build of brick and stucco and has served several uses. In 1855 it became part of the Clay Seminary, an all girls school. One of its most . . . — — Map (db m45678) HM
On Campbell Drive south of South Liberty Parkway, on the right when traveling south.
The Testimony of Eight Witnesses
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come that Joseph Smith Jun. the translator of this work has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken. Which have . . . — — Map (db m311688) HM
On Miller Avenue at William Jewell College Drive, on the right when traveling west on Miller Avenue.
On July 5th, 1836, Andrew Hixon and wife, Ann, conveyed by Warranty Deed to the "Town of Liberty" Trustees for $30, one acre, "for the purpose of a public burying ground". Used as such before the 1825 settlement of Liberty. "The Old Graveyard", . . . — — Map (db m68263) HM
On Water Street north of Mill Street, on the left when traveling north.
Clay County offers a variety of interesting choices for visitors. History buffs can visit the Jesse James farm in Kearney, the Elms Hotel, once a popular mineral water destination in Excelsior Springs, the Woolen Mill at Watkins Mill State Park and . . . — — Map (db m68365) HM
On West Shrader Street west of Gallatin Street, on the left when traveling west.
John Jack Houston
(1858-1934)
John Jack Houston, pioneer patriarch of the Houston family, was born in North Carolina and migrated to Liberty during the 1870s. In 1878, he traveled to Sandusky, Ohio to marry Elvira “Ella” Savage, whose . . . — — Map (db m274433) HM
On West Shrader Street west of Gallatin Street, on the right when traveling east.
Prince Hall Masons Lodge
No. 37 F. & A.M.
The origin of the Liberty African American Lodge #37 F. & A.M. began in 1877 with the issue of its charger by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri, Free & Accepted Masons. The . . . — — Map (db m274544) HM
On Mill Street at Prairie Street, on the left when traveling west on Mill Street.
With the faith and courage of
their forefathers who made
possible the freedom of these
United States
The Boy Scouts of America
Dedicate this copy of the
Statue of Liberty as a pledge
of everlasting fidelity and
loyalty
40th . . . — — Map (db m68481) HM
On Crawford Lane at North Grover Street on Crawford Lane.
Believed built by Graham Hughes 1849. Brick kitchen added 1860, interior woodwork 1880. Owned by Wynoop Kiersted, Civil Engineer 1903-1934 and by descendants until 1959. Present owners are Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pavelchek. — — Map (db m46577) HM
On Ruth Ewing Road at Clay Brooke Drive, on the left when traveling east on Ruth Ewing Road.
Ruth Moore Ewing, born ca. 1800 in North
Carolina, was one of Liberty's first citizens,
coming to this area with her grandfather Andrew
Robertson before it was a town. In 1824 she
married neighboring farmer John D. Ewing, and
together they . . . — — Map (db m281468) HM
On Grover Street south of Corbin Street, on the right when traveling south.
Ruth Powell Moore was born in 1908 in Fulton, Mo. While studying education at the University of Missouri, she met Liberty teacher Kenneth Moore. The two were married in 1943 and moved to 327 Morse in Liberty. Ruth became the district's first school . . . — — Map (db m273222) HM
Near Stocksdale Park Drive east of South La Frenz Road, on the left when traveling east.
In 1974 a local citizen who wished to remain anonymous offered 56 acres of farmland to the City of Liberty for a park. The gift was matched by the purchase of the adjoining 56 acres with a grant from the US Department of the Interior. This . . . — — Map (db m272557) HM
On Water Street north of Mill Street, on the left when traveling north.
Mineral waters were tapped as an economic and health benefit in the 1936 dedication of the Hall of Waters in Excelsior Springs. Early Plains Indians had built communities within the county. In hopes to preserve their legacy, archeologist and . . . — — Map (db m68321) HM
On Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
Organized in 1875 by Rev. Jesse Mills. First church built in 1876. Present structure dedicated 1942 under pastorate Rev. A.G. Thurman, who also supervised construction. 104th anniversary celebrated 1979 under Rev. Jack Wills. — — Map (db m68240) HM
On Water Street north of Mill Street, on the left when traveling north.
In 1860 Watkins Mill became the first industry in Clay County. Major industries that followed were Cook Paint and Varnish in 1913, Ralston Purina Company in 1940's and the Claycomo Ford Assembly Plant in 1951. The ASB Bridge was built in 1912 . . . — — Map (db m68311) HM
On Water Street north of Mill Street, on the left when traveling north.
To meet the needs of an increasing population, Antioch Shopping Center was built in 1955. The Northland Fountain, dedicated in 1983, and Tryst Falls provide beauty and enjoyment to many. — — Map (db m68322) HM
On West Shrader Street west of Gallatin Street, on the right when traveling east.
James A. Gay
(1882-1985)
Professor (Prof.) James A. Gay, centenarian and principal of Garrison School for 22 years, was born in Fayette, Georgia, the son of Felix and China Gay. His grandfather was the son of a white plantation owner who . . . — — Map (db m274675) HM
Near East MIssissippi Street 0.1 miles east of North Jewell Street.
Rumors of a Confederate Invasion which would include the burning of Liberty and a raid on Fort Leavenworth resulted in the fortifying of this hill in April, 1862. Doors from nearby homes were used to line the trench across the hill. This marker is . . . — — Map (db m46619) HM
Near West Shrader Street west of Gallatin Street, on the right when traveling east.
Private David Drake Blue
(1818-1896)
Born in Kentucky, David Drake (Blue) moved to Liberty in the 1850’s, along with Miles C. Drake’s other enslaved estate. He is recorded on census records through his live as “mulatto,” meaning he was . . . — — Map (db m274063) HM
On Water Street, on the right when traveling north.
Our veterans will never be forgotten in the County of Clay. Though all their names we do not know to this day, this memorial is dedicated to each one and all, past, present, and future for their courageous efforts to duty for our great nation and . . . — — Map (db m68453) WM
On Water Street north of Mill Street, on the left when traveling north.
Missouri soldiers from all the great wars are flanked on each side by white doves. The North and South acknowledges each other with a wave. — — Map (db m68312) WM
Near Grover St. north of West Mississippi Street, on the right when traveling south.
William was born on November 12, 1965 to Lawrence and Bessie Smith in Liberty, Missouri. William attended Liberty Public Schools, from kindergarten through high school, graduating with the Liberty High School Class of 1979. As a member of First . . . — — Map (db m290313) HM
Near Old State Highway 210 1.3 miles east of Missouri State Route 291 (State Route 291).
Less than a mile west of this marker, a German Prisoner of War camp once stood. In 1942 guard towers and prison walls topped with barbed wire were constructed around a building which had been the hatchery of Leon and Harriette Miller's Desert . . . — — Map (db m281393) HM
