Last updated: January 14, 2023
Place
Harry S Truman National Historic Site, the Santa Fe Trail
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Harry S Truman National Historic Site includes the Truman Home in Independence, Missouri, and the Truman Farm Home in Grandview, Missouri. Both units are within the Kansas City metropolitan area.
Significance:
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site preserves the longtime home of Harry S. Truman and other properties in the Kansas City, Missouri, metropolitan area associated with him. Not only was he the thirty third president of the United States, he was also instrumental in the preservation of the Santa Fe Trail.
Designation:
National Historic Site, Part of the Harry S Truman Historic District, the Truman Farm Home in Grandview is a National Historic Landmark
Amenities
4 listed
Audio Description, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Restroom
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site preserves the longtime home of Harry S. Truman and other properties in the Kansas City, Missouri, metropolitan area associated with him. Not only was Truman the thirty third president of the United States, he was also instrumental in the preservation of the Santa Fe Trail.
Truman served as president of the National Old Trails Road Association from 1926 to 1948. In the mid-1920s, Truman was tasked with determining the official route of the National Old Trails Road, which included the Santa Fe Trail. Between 1926 and 1927, he traveled the Santa Fe Trail many times for this purpose.
Eventually, the road ran coast to coast and was developed for car travel.
During this time, Truman also traveled the route several times to select the locations for the 12 DAR Madonna of the Trail Statues. This series of statues was dedicated to the spirit of pioneer women in the United States and were commissioned by the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR). Many of these statues still stand today along the Santa Fe Trail.
Site Information
Location (Harry S Truman National Historic Site includes the Truman Home in Independence, Missouri, and the Truman Farm Home in Grandview, Missouri. Both units are within the Kansas City metropolitan area.)
At the Harry S Truman National Historic Site, you can experience the surroundings Truman knew throughout his life, take a tour, explore the collections, become a Junior Ranger, and more. While you are here, you can visit the historic Independence Courthouse Square, the National Frontier Trails Museum, Santa Fe Park, and the many other historic sites in the area.