jail, marshal's home & museum

The Jail is amazing! The historical factor is very captivating. There was a shoot out and someone even tried to burn it down at one point. There is the whole haunted aspect as well that makes it feel creepy too. Its in Independence Square and you would never know there was a jail there if you didn't look or research it. The jail overall is a little small but there is a museum there that has a lot of time period exhibits. The cells just feel erie and it is hard to believe the historical factor with them. Order # 11 they just stuffed people in them men, women, and kids! I highly recommend the history lesson.

Beside the jail is a visitor center. And in front of the visitor center. Is a town tour in a covered wagon that is outstanding. Take the hour and a half tour and it will the begs money you'll spend in Independence other than the Truman library. There is a fascinating civil war history in Independence and this tour tells it all. The operator is entertaining in character and makes the trip a great experience.

We visited the jail as part of our recent visit to Independence. I found the price to be a bit high for what you see, and it is a self-guided tour. It was neat to see the jail and marshal's home preserved, as well as the famed jail cell of Frank James when his trial was moved to Independence. However, the overall museum experience is short, and could be skipped on your tour of Independence if you are just making a day trip. Definitely, check out some of the other sites, and add this one to your list if you want the "complete tour."

We stopped at the 1859 Jail, Marshal's Home & Museum unexpectedly as we had parked across the street for the Visitor's Center for the Truman Home. The jail is located next to the Visitor's Center so is easy to find. There is a small charge which we gladly paid. The jail is not that large but provides a good history of the time period and offered a glimpse of what a jail looked like back then. The museum is operated by the Jackson County Historical Society. The museum encompasses two buildings and exhibits are located throughout the two story complex. The jail witnessed events of the Civil War, the notorious Jesse and Frank James brothers and other local events. A guide will provide a tour of the museum and you have the option to walk through the exhibits by yourself afterwards. The information about the Civil War and the James brothers were particularly interesting and worth the visit alone. I am interested in criminal justice, particularly prison administration, so this was one of the reasons I made the trip.I would highly recommend stopping at the museum. You get a chance to see jail life for not only the prisoners, but the wardens as well. If you are going to the Harry Truman Visitor;s Center, go here as part of your trip. You will not regret it.

We didn't know about this place when we set out for Independence but stumbled along it as we exited the Visitor's Center for Truman's Home(which you have to get timed tickets to see). Glad we returned the next day to see inside. The most helpful of all hosts we visited. They support many of the towns offerings and are quite enthusiastic about them.Don't miss the museum exhibit in the back after the jail tour.I've worked on museum exhibits and this one, though dated, is well done. Large written descriptions of what you are looking at in the cases is ALWAYS helpful and important. If the writing is small, no one will even try to read it. Great variety in the displays really gives you a sense of Independence's history. Just love what they've done with what they have...which is a lot. Don't miss it.

The old jail is a really fun place to take friends and out of town visitors. The self guided tour gives a real sense of some of the local history. Walking through the cells made chills go up my spine! After the tour I recommend taking the wagon tour of the town. It's very interesting and the tour guide is a Master Storyteller. Look for the sign outside the jail. Wagon tour information is posted there.

Frank James spent a few months in this jail and that is interesting enough to warrant a trip! There is much history to partake in this little gem and worth the visit. **tip: Two for one tickets are available on the website visitindependence.com.

This is a small Museum, but loaded with fun facts, and artifacts from that period. It is a self guided tour but you can take your time as you go through out it. Frank James was in jail here. It will only take you about an hour to see all of it, but it was very interesting. The staff was very helpful. and loves what he is doing. I would recommend this, just keep in mind it is small.

Cannot believe how well maintained this place is. A genuine mid 19th century jail where Frank James was a prisoner. A lot of memorabilia from the time.

A small but well preserved part of u.s. history- the trip was made special by the ladies on the front desk who were very knowledgeable and made us most welcome. However if you are not into history there is no more than 10 minutes of content so best avoid. We found it fascinating.

We had an admission coupon from the Independence visitors website, so my 12 year old son and I decided to check it out. The lady from the historical society was very friendly and knowledgable. She described everything that we were going to see and told us stories about the James brothers and the Civil War. She even let me use her outlet to charge my phone, which had gone dead. The museum is small, but the cells are interesting. I don't think it would have been as good if we hadn't gotten all of the information from the lady in the front. It was a nice place for a quick diversion.

I tagged along on a tour during the December holidays. WOW. The marshall and his wife gave the tour and it is such an interesting place. One of a kind. Must see.

I loved the jail & Marshal's home. It was quite fascinating thinking of raising your children in the same building you kept hardened criminals. The jail cells were certainly a stark reminder of why you don't want to break the law. I thought the building was well maintained, I enjoyed the exhibits, lots of information. However, I did not understand why I was paying that amount of money for a "self guided tour", it was literally, "Here is a brochure, go through that door." I would really have enjoyed an actual tour with someone knowledgeable about the history. Now, the gentleman taking a money was quite kind and did answer our questions and absolutely had knowledge of the site. I don't want to say he was not friendly or helpful. I was just very disappointed not to receive an actual tour as that is what I was expecting. No historical site is ever as interesting as when it is shown by someone with more knowledge than you have. Still, the site is very interesting and I would recommend it as long as you know what you are in for.

It was interesting to see how the marshal lived practically surrounded by cell blocks full of criminals. What a way to raise your kids! Jesse James' cell was certainly different than the rest. Worth a visit.

The self guided tour was relaxing and informative. We learned quite a bit of new information.