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Historic Independence Statue Crawl

HISTORY · Jeannae Brown · May 5, 2025 · 3 min read

Independence, Missouri is filled with bronze storytellers. Take a walk around the historic square and the surrounding neighborhoods and you will meet mountain men, pioneer families, stagecoach teams, and presidents — each monument marking a piece of the westward expansion story. Here is a guide to the statues to look for on your own statue crawl.

“Jim Bridger”

A consummate mountain man and trapper.

Jim Bridger statue in Independence, MissouriJim Bridger statue in Independence, MissouriJim Bridger statue in Independence, MissouriJim Bridger statue in Independence, Missouri

“The Old Spring”

An Indian boy and pioneer girl gather water at the spring located in this place. Sermon Center, 201 N. Dodgion.

The Old Spring statue in Independence, MissouriThe Old Spring statue in Independence, MissouriThe Old Spring statue in Independence, MissouriThe Old Spring statue in Independence, Missouri

“Call of the West”

The frontiersman of the early 19th century. Not a specific fur trapper, but representative of the kind of person it took to do such a job. Corner of Pleasant and Lexington.

Call of the West statue in Independence, MissouriCall of the West statue in Independence, MissouriCall of the West statue in Independence, Missouri

“Captain Harry”

Part of the historic statues around the square, depicting Harry Truman as a Captain in World War I.

Captain Harry statue in Independence, MissouriCaptain Harry statue in Independence, MissouriCaptain Harry statue in Independence, MissouriCaptain Harry statue in Independence, Missouri

“Harry’s First Job”

A depiction of Harry Truman’s first job at Clinton’s Soda Shop on Main Street.

Harry’s First Job statue in Independence, MissouriHarry’s First Job statue in Independence, Missouri

“Overland Stage”

Depicts the era of stagecoach transport across the West.

Overland Stage statue in Independence, MissouriOverland Stage statue in Independence, MissouriOverland Stage statue in Independence, Missouri

“President Andrew Jackson”

Relevant to our story as the policy maker behind the forced removal of Native Americans into the west, known as the “Trail of Tears.” One statue in this grouping is the original in front of the Kansas City Jackson County Courthouse; the others stand in front of the Independence Courthouse.

President Andrew Jackson statue in Independence, MissouriPresident Andrew Jackson statue in Independence, MissouriPresident Andrew Jackson statue in Independence, Missouri

“Swords for Plowshares”

Located at the Community of Christ Temple. Mormons have found their Zion in Independence, and can make their home here.

Swords for Plowshares statue in Independence, MissouriSwords for Plowshares statue in Independence, MissouriSwords for Plowshares statue in Independence, Missouri

“Pioneer Woman and Child”

Location: 318 W. Pacific. She looks to the future, as the baby looks to her.

Pioneer Woman and Child statue in Independence, MissouriPioneer Woman and Child statue in Independence, MissouriPioneer Woman and Child statue in Independence, Missouri

“Madonna”

Located at St. Mary’s Church on Liberty.

Madonna statue in Independence, MissouriMadonna statue in Independence, MissouriMadonna statue in Independence, Missouri
Painting of covered wagons leaving Independence, Missouri

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