Last updated: July 18, 2023
Place
Lewis-Webb House
Photo/W.Shay, Historic Preservation Manager, City of Independence Missouri
Quick Facts
Location:
302 West Mill, Independence, MO
Significance:
Home to Santa Fe Trail trader and saddler
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places; Certified Site
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Privately owned
A map of Passport and Places to Go locations for National Historic Trails.
John and Susan Lewis were among the earliest residents of Independence, Missouri, arriving around 1825. As a major outfitting center on the Santa Fe Trail, many people working in commerce like Lewis lived in Independence. There are records that Lewis participated in several commercial ventures related to the trail including owning a saddlery, financing an expedition to Santa Fe, and owning real estate near the trail.
In 1852 the Lewis’ purchased a 30-acre plot of land, which included the Lewis-Webb House built in 1834. The tract was divided into residential plots and sold in April 1855, creating John Lewis’ Addition to the City of Independence. John and Susan moved out of the house at the same time but remained in Independence and pursued other commercial ventures. The home was later owned by poet Mabelle Brown Webb and writer William Larkin Webb.
Site Information
Location (302 West Mill, Independence, MO)
Available Facilities/Exhibits
The Lewis-Webb house is in an established neighborhood in Independence, MO north of Independence Square. It is a two-story L-shaped structure made from brick. The house was originally built in 1834 with later additions possibly dating from 1845 and 1853. Built in the late Greek Revival architectural style, the home was later “modernized” with Victorian embellishments in the 1880’s. Though the home has undergone many alterations, much of its historic character remains.