Webthe great encounters would pass through spacious plains, rolling hills, and vivid mountainous passes. The journey would begin in independence, missouri, and end. As you drive in from kansas city, independence doesn’t look as if it has much to offer. Webindependence, missouri was the hometown of president harry s. Truman and has many historical sites. Known as the queen city of the trails because it was a. Some came overland, but many arrived via steamboat to. Webthe city of independence, mo, boasts five historic sites that help tell our story. See what life was like for the citizens of independence during and shortly after our pioneering. Webmissouri, nestled at the confluence of the missouri river and mississippi river, boasts a rich history dotted with military installations, trading posts, and historic. Webbothwell lodge state historic site, located in sedalia, missouri, offers visitors a journey through time as they explore the life and legacy of prominent sedalia businessman john. Webindependence, missouri, is known as the “queen city of the trails” because it was the point of departure for the california, oregon, and santa fe trails.