Restoration Branches movement is a Christian / Latter Day Saint religious sect which was formed in the 1980s by members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ( RLDS , now the Community of Christ) in a reaction against the events of the RLDS 1984 world conference. The movement holds in the traditional RLDS theology of the 19th and early-to-mid 20th centuries and hold that events leading up to and surrounding the 1980s and decades since have introduced sweeping, fundamental changes into RLDS doctrine and practice which are illegitimate because they contradict the long-standing RLDS theological tradition this sect holds as true. It is also a part of the Mormon religion.
67-463: The movement is centered on Independence, Missouri which followers believe, as Joseph Smith, Jr and Joseph Smith III taught, is the centerplace of Zion . Traditionally, the "branch" is a local congregational unit in the RLDS church. The term "Restoration" was added as a result of the schism to denote a branch's separation from the organizational hierarchy and inferring what participants see as loyalty to
134-403: A commandment that all members bring their children to be blessed, child blessings are performed with the purpose of dedicating the child to God. The parents are recognizing as taking upon them the responsibility of raising the child to maturity and that they will do their best to raise the child, teaching him or her the ways of Christ and the church. This ordinance is not considered a baptism and
201-547: A temple in Independence , and also maintains a large auditorium and other buildings nearby. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates a sizable visitors' center adjacent to the Community of Christ Temple, and across the street from the original Temple Lot designated by Joseph Smith in 1830. The Lot itself is occupied by a small white-frame church building that serves as the headquarters and local meeting house for
268-427: A female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.1% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37, and the average family size was 2.97. The median age in the city was 39.4 years. 23% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between
335-471: A female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37, and the average family size was 2.93. In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
402-569: A flurry of building activity took place soon after the war. The rise of nearby Kansas City also contributed to the town's relegation to a place of secondary prominence in Jackson County, though Independence has retained its position as county seat to the present day. United States President Harry S. Truman grew up in Independence and, in 1922, was elected judge of the Court of Jackson County, Missouri (an administrative, not judicial, post). Although he
469-679: A four-year term, beginning on January 1 following the election. The current mayor is Rory Rowland, a Democrat , elected in 2022. The Independence Municipal Court is currently seated by two members. Judges are appointed by the City Mayor and serve a 4-year term. Judges may be reappointed for multiple terms by the Mayor or the City Council. Four school districts have areas within the city: Independence , Blue Springs , Fort Osage Schools, and Raytown . Prior to Fall 2008, parts of western Independence in
536-431: A margin of error of +/- $ 1,935) and the median family income was $ 64,271 (+/- $ 2,089). Males had a median income of $ 40,007 (+/- $ 1,690) versus $ 26,762 (+/- $ 1,098) for females. The median income for those above 16 years old was $ 32,462 (+/- $ 1,353). Approximately, 11.2% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line , including 23.3% of those under the age of 18 and 7.1% of those ages 65 or over. As of
603-476: A population of 111,806 in 1980 and 112,301 in 1990. The racial makeup of the city was 91.87% White , 2.59% African American , 0.70% Asian , 0.64% Native American , 0.46% Pacific Islander , 1.43% from other races , and 2.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.69% of the population. There were 47,390 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 12.3% had
670-403: A prayer for healing and blessing." All Restoration Branches agree that baptism by full immersion in water, symbolizing physical rebirth and remission of sins, is requisite for membership. This ordinance may be performed by an elder or priest, and generally occurs in a baptismal font, when available. However, any body of waist deep water is acceptable for use in this ordinance. Prior to baptism,
737-535: Is able to speak for all of them at this time. However, here is a sampling of some of differences in their beliefs from the Community of Christ : Each Restoration Branch currently exists as an independent entity. Though all generally follow the traditional doctrines of the RLDS church, many have unique views on specific doctrinal and church government-related issues, and specific standpoints differ from member to member. These include: Different organizations have formed in
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#1733084623480804-640: Is known as the "Queen City of the Trails" because it was a point of departure for the California , Oregon , and Santa Fe Trails . It is the hometown of U.S. President Harry S. Truman , with the Truman Presidential Library and Museum , and the gravesites of Truman and First Lady Bess Truman . The city is sacred to the Latter Day Saint movement , as the home of Joseph Smith 's 1831 Temple Lot , and
871-570: Is located on the south bank of the Missouri River , near the western edge of the state. According to the United States Census Bureau , the city has a total area of 78.25 square miles (202.67 km ), of which 77.57 square miles (200.91 km ) is land and 0.68 square miles (1.76 km ) is water. The 2020 United States census counted 123,011 people, 48,836 households, and 28,955 families in Independence. The population density
938-498: Is located there. Other Latter Day Saint denominations headquartered in the city include the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) and the Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) , among others. A number of Restoration Branches are also located in and around Independence, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints maintains a visitor center in the town. The Community of Christ has built
1005-428: Is seen as fulfillment of the requirement. As with living ordinances, ordinances for the dead are considered necessary but insufficient. It is believed that the spirits in the spirit world are offered the teachings of the full gospel of Jesus Christ and have the opportunity to accept or decline vicarious ordinances done on their behalf. Some LDS Church members refer to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:29 regarding baptism for
1072-492: Is south of Truman Rd. between Memorial Dr. and Lynn St., between City Hall and the Independence Square. This twinning is commemorated by a Zen garden , near E Lexington Ave. and Memorial Dr. Independence Power & Light (IPL) is a local electric power plant owned and operated by the city. It was established in 1901 and has undergone many changes and upgrades. One change was moving from the old Dodgion Street plant (where
1139-449: Is the finalization of a covenant between the ordinance recipient and God . Ordinances are usually performed by the authority of the priesthood and in the name of Jesus Christ . The use of the term "ordinance" by adherents is distinct from the use of the term in other branches of Christian tradition , where " ordinance (Christian) " is often used to imply that the act is merely symbolic and does not convey grace. Latter Day Saint use of
1206-401: Is viewed as different from the christenings and infant baptisms performed in other denominations. From time to time, members with physical, mental, or spiritual ailments call on the elders for administration. Two elders are usually present for this ordinance, in which "the elders of the church anoint the head of the sufferer with consecrated oil, lay their hands upon his (or her) head and offer
1273-592: The Council of Twelve Apostles . The "six fundamental principles of the Restored gospel" are often cited as the foundation of traditional RLDS belief. They are found in the sixth chapter of Hebrews in the Bible. They are: The works of 20th-century RLDS ministers Arthur A. Oakman and Evan Fry are significant influences on contemporary 21st-century Restoration Branches movement thought. Fry's radio program "Hear Ye Him", representing
1340-484: The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and even some Community of Christ members (depending on the circumstances of their baptism, given the movement's stance against women in the priesthood) therefor what fraction of the total recognized membership are registered with the conference is unknown but it is likely much higher than the registered number. Basic Restoration Branches movement beliefs reaffirm
1407-602: The Restoration Branches . Independence saw great prosperity from the late 1830s through the mid-1840s, while the business of outfitting pioneers boomed. Between 1848 and 1868, it was a hub of the California Trail . On March 8, 1849, the Missouri General Assembly granted a home-rule charter to the town and on July 18, 1849, William McCoy was elected as its first mayor. In the mid-19th century an Act of
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#17330846234801474-519: The Smoky Hills Wind Farm (a wind turbine facility) in Kansas. Ordinance (Latter Day Saints) In the Latter Day Saint movement , an ordinance is a sacred rite or ceremony that has spiritual and symbolic meanings and act as a means of conveying divine grace . Ordinances are physical acts which signify or symbolize an underlying spiritual act; for some ordinances, the spiritual act
1541-579: The United States Congress defined Independence as the start of the Oregon Trail . Two important Civil War battles occurred at Independence: the first on August 11, 1862, when Confederate soldiers took control of the town, and the second in October 1864, which resulted in a Union victory. The war took its toll on Independence, and the town was never able to regain its previous prosperity, although
1608-486: The census of 2010, there were 116,830 people, 48,742 households, and 30,165 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,506.1 inhabitants per square mile (581.5/km ). There were 53,834 housing units at an average density of 694.0 units per square mile (268.0 units/km ). The racial makeup of the city was There were 48,742 households, of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 13.9% had
1675-572: The endowment and sealings —are unique and usually performed within a Latter Day Saint temple . Saving ordinances are those ordinances that are a requirement for exaltation . Most Latter Day Saints denominations see saving ordinances as necessary, but not sufficient, requirements for exaltation. The following are examples of saving ordinances in most sects of the Latter Day Saint movement: In some Latter Day Saint churches, additional saving ordinances are performed in temples . These include
1742-543: The endowment , the washing and anointing , and sealings . Currently, only the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church)-derived and Cutlerite-derived denominations within the Latter Day Saints movement practice all three. Other Latter Day Saint denominations, such as Community of Christ-derived and Hedrickite-derived denominations do not perform any of them. Still other denominations, such Strangite-derived denominations, practice sealings but reject
1809-477: The poverty line , including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over. Independence played an important role in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement and is home to the headquarters of several separatist denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement , most notably the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), whose Temple
1876-502: The Church of Christ (Temple Lot). There are five Catholic churches and several Episcopal churches in Independence. One of the oldest churches in Independence is the First Presbyterian Church, founded in 1826. It was here in 1890 that Harry Truman first met Elizabeth (Bess) Wallace. Truman eventually married her after his return from World War I in 1919. According to the town's 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report,
1943-565: The Faithful," is to seek "divine guidance toward further reorganization." Ordinances in the Restoration Branch movement are seen as sacred covenants between the individual or married couple and God. Restoration Branch members believe that only male individuals with lines of priesthood ordinations that can be traced back to the original RLDS church can perform legitimate ordinances today. These ordinances include: Performed by two elders per
2010-592: The Restoration Branches movement believe that the revealing of lineage may occur during a patriarchal blessing, as may the revealing of future events, but neither of these are main functions of the blessing or the spirit of prophecy that may be present at the blessing. Each individual marriage service is unique, but members are encouraged to have the service performed by an elder or priest of the church when possible. The whole movement rejects same-sex marriage , defining marriage as between one man and one woman. In
2077-483: The Restoration Branches movement, for many years, the sect was only able to ordain elders, priests, teachers, and deacons due to the scattered conditions they perceived in their Church. There are many divisions within the Restoration Movement today: At the October 2008 United States National Conference (Joint Conference of Restoration Branches) several individuals were ordained to the office of Seventy. These are
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2144-507: The Restoration Branches movement, priesthood are called by revelation of the Holy Spirit to the presiding elder of a branch and at least one other priesthood member, or if in an isolated area, to the visiting missionaries, and to the member who is being called. In branches, the approval process varies somewhat, but it always culminates in the member being ordained in a service by the laying on of hands of two priesthood members. Requirements for
2211-459: The Restoration Branches movement, so any figures concerning membership numbers are difficult to ascertain. The Joint Conference of Restoration Branches was reported as having 6,000 to 7,000 registered members as of 2010. However, all persons baptized by authoritative RLDS priesthood are regarded as "church members" by the conference regardless of formal registration, conference affiliation (or lack thereof) including non-affiliated branches, members of
2278-475: The Restoration as JCRB supporters. Many of the Restoration Branches do not accept JCRB ordinations to date. The Conference of Restoration Elders (CRE) represents the body of the Restoration Branches that to date only are authorized to "approve priesthood calls and ordain men limited to the offices of elder, priest, teacher, and deacon." The CRE's aim, as stated in the 1999 document "A Proclamation and Invitation to
2345-541: The Restoration, attempting to unify the branches. Independence, Missouri Independence is the county seat of Jackson County, Missouri , United States. It is a satellite city of Kansas City, Missouri , and is the largest suburb on the Missouri side of the Kansas City metropolitan area . In 2020 , it had a total population of 123,011, making it the fifth-most populous city in Missouri . Independence
2412-781: The Roger T. Sermon Center stands now) to the Blue Valley Plant near Truman Rd. and MO-78/Lake City-Buckner Rd. IPL also draws power from other sources: the Missouri City Power Plant, and the Kansas City Power and Light Company (KCP&L), through several 69 and 161 kilovolt transmission interconnections. IPL has an "Out of Sight" power line burial program. After signing an agreement with TradeWind Energy in July 2008, IPL will begin purchasing annually 15 megawatts of renewable energy from
2479-700: The Santa Fe Trail. In 1831, members of the Latter Day Saint movement began moving to the Jackson County, Missouri area. Shortly thereafter, founder Joseph Smith declared a spot west of the Courthouse Square to be the place for his prophesied temple of the New Jerusalem , in expectation of the Second Coming of Christ . Tension grew with local Missourians until the Latter Day Saints were driven from
2546-470: The Van Horn feeder pattern resided in the Kansas City, Missouri School District , but all of these students are now part of the Independence school district. Three public high schools are located within the city limits: Two private high schools within the city limits: Santa-Cali-Gon Days is an annual Labor Day festival held in Independence intermittently since 1940 and continuously since 1973, celebrating
2613-497: The ages of 18 and 24; 24.9% were from 25 to 44; 27.4% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.0% male and 52.0% female. As of the census of 2000, there were 113,288 people, 47,390 households, and 30,566 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,446.3 inhabitants per square mile (558.4/km ). There were 50,213 housing units at an average density of 641.1 units per square mile (247.5 units/km ). Independence has
2680-410: The area in 1833, the beginning of a conflict which culminated in the 1838 Mormon War . Several branches of this movement gradually returned to the city beginning in 1867, with many making their headquarters there. These include the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), the Church of Christ (Temple Lot) , the Church of Jesus Christ (Cutlerite) and
2747-424: The church's views in the 1950s, continue to be referred to as a source of theology by contemporary mainstream Restoration Branches. In the RLDS church, there are Prophets (Presidents of the RLDS church), Apostles, High Priests, Bishops, Patriarchs, seventy , Elders, Priests, Teachers and Deacons. Although some members of the higher priesthood offices (such as High Priests, Seventy and Patriarchs) still survive within
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2814-513: The church. This baptism must be performed by a member of the Melchizedek priesthood. The purpose of this ordinance is to remember the Savior and the covenants made by the member at baptism. This ordinance entails adequate preparation by the members in reconciling with each other, a specific prayer of blessing is read over the bread, the participating priesthood is served first, then the priesthood serves
2881-661: The city's heritage as a starting point of three major frontier trails: the Santa Fe , California , and Oregon . Another popular annual festival is the Vaile Strawberry Festival, which is held on the first Saturday of June at the Vaile Mansion, 1500 N. Liberty, five blocks north of the historic Square. The Independence Heritage Festival is a celebration of the diverse culture that exist in Independence. The Independence town square features numerous family-owned shops surrounding
2948-492: The city. Independence was also a stopping point for the " Donner Party ", an ill-fated group of 19th-century wagon train emigrants whose westward journey along the California Trail ended in disaster, spawning one of the most well known and taboo stories of pioneer-era America. Named after the Declaration of Independence , Independence was founded on March 29, 1827, and quickly became an important frontier town . Independence
3015-452: The country in 1928 and 1929. He would later return to the city after two terms as president. His wife, First Lady Bess Truman , was born and raised in Independence, and both are buried there. The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site (Truman's home) and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum are both located in Independence, as is one of Truman's boyhood residences. Independence
3082-469: The death of Joseph Smith, Jr in 1844. Their primary disagreement with the Community of Christ , as the official RLDS church organization renamed itself in 2001, was nominally over the church's decision to ordain women to the priesthood . Restoration Branches continue to assert that only men have priesthood authority; however, other religious and doctrinal issues were and are also disputed. No universally recognized central organization exists currently within
3149-501: The emblems. In the Restoration Branches movement, the chief function of the patriarchal blessing is "to give authoritative, priestly blessing, invoked by a spiritual father representing God and the church...Other chief functions...are to give comfort when needed, or admonition, and especially good counsel as to a godly way of life, to rededicate and to consecrate, to bring a benediction from above, to help one find himself or herself and make an adjustment to life and its problems." Members of
3216-422: The first new ordinations to that office recognized by any Restoration Branches group in over 20 years. Others have been since called and ordained to the office of Seventy, and at the 2011 conference, several individuals were ordained to the office of High Priest. However, there is still debate within the Restoration Branches movement as to whether or not the ordinations were legitimate. This group would be known among
3283-580: The headquarters of several Mormon denominations. Independence was originally inhabited by Missouri and Osage Native Americans, followed by the Spanish and a brief French tenure. It became part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Lewis and Clark recorded in their journals that they stopped in 1804 to pick plums, raspberries, and wild apples at a site that would later form part of
3350-455: The members in attendance. This process is repeated with non-fermented wine (new wine) that has also been made to scriptural specifications. This process is generally adhered to by all members, unless for any reason the emblems cannot be homemade, in which case the bread may be replaced with saltines and the non-fermented wine with grape juice. The Restoration Branches practice "close communion," which means that only baptized members may partake of
3417-420: The office of the ordainers varies according to what office the recipient is called to. Examples also exist in church history of individuals being ordained, as in set aside or chosen for a specific task, for purposes other than priesthood office. The Restoration Branches movement's body of scriptures consists of: As the Restoration Branches have no universally-recognized central organization, no one organization
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#17330846234803484-470: The old main courthouse , which was modeled after Philadelphia 's Independence Hall . This courthouse houses Harry S. Truman's former courtroom and office. Blue River Community College features a soccer program with a men's team and women's team. The Trailblazers (men) went all the way to the NJCAA Region 16 semifinals before concluding their season. The Lady Trailblazers (women) finished as runners up in
3551-551: The original RLDS doctrines. The RLDS church holds that Joseph Smith was succeeded by Joseph Smith III and not by Brigham Young . The " Epitome of Faith " by Joseph Smith is often cited as a statement of faith and Restoration Branches missionaries typically use the "Go Ye and Teach" slide series, a missionary program developed in the 1960s and endorsed by the Presidents of the Seventy in 1969 before being denounced as "too doctrinal" by
3618-546: The original principles of the Restoration of Joseph Smith and the Reorganization of Joseph Smith III in stark contrast to the liberal theology embraced by the Community of Christ . Organizers of the Restoration Branches movement considered the official RLDS church organization to have become corrupt or to have fallen into apostasy , so that the church is now "in an unorganized state" paralleling church affairs following
3685-413: The population was under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.5 years. For every 100 females, the population had 91.4 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older, there were 89.4 males. The 2016-2020 5-year American Community Survey estimates show that the median household income was $ 50,797 (with
3752-447: The recipient is required to receive instruction in church beliefs, generally in the form of a pre-baptismal class. Baptism is viewed as a covenant between the recipient and God. Baptism of water can be performed by an Aaronic priest or the Melchizedek priesthood. Also referred to as confirmation, this ordinance represents the spiritual rebirth of the recipient and seals the member into a covenant with God. Baptism of fire may occur during
3819-921: The region. The Cable Dahmer Arena is home of the Kansas City Mavericks , a minor-league hockey team in the ECHL . Silverstein Eye Centers Arena is also the home of Kansas City Comets of the Major Arena Soccer League , the top level of professional indoor soccer. Crysler Stadium is the home of the collegiate summer baseball Independence Veterans of the Mid-Plains League . Local recreational sports teams include: YMCA and Parks and Recreation have programs for various sports for all people. In 1978, Independence gained sister city status with Higashimurayama , Tokyo , Japan. Higashimurayama Street
3886-474: The same service as baptism of water, in an evening service following a morning baptism of water, or weeks, months, even years in some extreme cases may lapse between baptism of water and baptism of fire. In this ordinance, two elders participate. Both elders lay their hands on the recipient's head, and one of the elders prays for the receiving of the Holy Ghost by the member, thus completing the member's entry into
3953-447: The saving ordinances on behalf of their deceased ancestors. These are performed vicariously or by "proxy" on behalf of the dead, and church members believe that it is up to the deceased to accept or reject the offered ordinance in the spirit world . Since deceased persons no longer have an earthly existence, they are unable to directly participate in these "saving" ordinances themselves. The physical performance of these ordinances by proxy
4020-505: The term "ordinance" carries the same meaning as the term " sacrament " as used by other Christian denominations . Community of Christ-derived denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement also tend to refer to " sacraments " rather than "ordinances". Some ordinances—such as baptism , confirmation and the sacrament of the Lord's Supper —are similar to those practiced by other Christian denominations. Other Latter Day Saint ordinances—including
4087-404: The top employers in the city are: The Independence City Council is made up of six members. Four are elected to represent one of the city districts, and the other two are elected by the city as a whole. The City Mayor also sits on the City Council and serves as the "Head of Government" for the city, The Mayor can vote on legislation with the council but does not have the right to veto. Members serve
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#17330846234804154-517: The washing and anointing and the endowment. According to Latter Day Saint theology, ordinances can be performed vicariously (i.e., post-mortem) on behalf of any person who would desire to accept the ordinance but did not receive it. While some sects, such as the Hedrickite denominations, have rejected some or all vicariously performed ordinances, other denominations, such as the LDS Church, still perform
4221-483: Was 1,577.7 per square mile (609.2/km ). There were 54,120 housing units at an average density of 694.1 units per square mile (268.0 units/km ). The racial makeup (including Hispanics in the racial counts) was 72.61% (89,323) white , 8.68% (10,678) black or African-American , 0.76% (936) Native American , 1.19% (1,468) Asian , 0.67% (826) Pacific Islander , 5.52% (6,795) from other races , and 10.56% (12,985) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race
4288-409: Was 12.2% (15,042) of the population. Of the 48,836 households, 24.0% had children under the age of 18; 40.1% were married couples living together; 33.0% had a female householder with no husband present. Of all households, 33.5% consisted of individuals and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4, and the average family size was 3.1. 21.5% of
4355-404: Was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 38,012, and the median income for a family was $ 45,876. Males had a median income of $ 34,138 versus $ 25,948 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 19,384. About 6.4% of families and 8.6% of the population were below
4422-479: Was defeated for reelection in 1924, he won back the office in 1926 and was reelected in 1930. Truman performed his duties diligently, and won personal acclaim for several popular public works projects, including an extensive series of fine roads for the growing use of automobiles, the building of a new County Court building in Independence, and a series of 12 Madonna of the Trail monuments to pioneer women dedicated across
4489-534: Was the farthest point westward on the Missouri River where the steamboats or other cargo vessels could travel, due to the convergence of the Kansas River with the Missouri River approximately six miles west of town, near the current Kansas -Missouri border. Independence immediately became a jumping-off point for the emerging fur trade , accommodating merchants and adventurers beginning the long trek westward on
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