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Home • Contact Us • Bio • Interests • Gallery • Vacations • Our Domains • Family History (Genealogy) |
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Midwest USA: Northwestern Missouri October 26-28, 2001 - To view a map, Click Here for our Route. |
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| The day began (27th) driving
northbound on I-35 (toward Des Moines) to visit the Haun's Mill Massacre
Site. The visit was to commemorate the 153rd Anniversary of the event which
occurred on October 30, 1838 (we were 3
days early). While en route, we passed Independence, Liberty, and
Kearney (birthplace of Jesse James). We left the freeway on Highway 36
to the East. Unfortunately our planned route south on State Road K was
blocked by construction vehicles (literally) so we meandered around the
area, eventually using State Road M (south), then State Road F (west), State
Road B (north - DIRT), and finally State Road U (east). (For the sake of those who visit in the future, there are some directions to Haun's Mill by clicking here). |
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A surprise ensued upon our arrival at
Haun's Mill - Four other vehicles occupied the muddy turn-around point (from
prior experience, we learned traffic at Haun's Mill is unusual). As we
arrived a crowd emerged from the "grove" but quickly gathered in their
vehicles and dispersed. Sietske and I were left in the isolated, serene
location to feel the spirit of the location. Our first thoughts upon
entering the "grove" were unexpected and twofold: 1) the lack of the sign indicating the
story/history of the well - speaking of which, where did it go? And 2) the site was in a state of disrepair. Notwithstanding the seemingly inappropriate state of the site, we spent 20 minutes in the area, enjoying the sounds of the wind and an occasional stir of wildlife. Tracks of deer, raccoons, and even birds and other animals streaked throughout the area. |
| A contrast we discovered
compared to visiting during the summer months is the apparent lack of
foliage. The scene was much more open than we remembered. The water on Shoal
Creek was low in fact, not a sound was heard from the running water, except
for a faint sound of rushing water near the southeast corner of the lot. We meandered through the woods for a short walk taking some spontaneous shots - Here's one of me and one of Siets. I also caught a nice glimpse of the sun through the trees. Soon we found ourselves back on the road, heading to Richmond. The route took us straight south again we were on State Road B. 30 minutes later we crossed into State Highway 13, crossing the infamous Crooked River (remember the Battle at Crooked River?) and arrived at Richmond. |
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Richmond is the home of many
historical events, figures, and markers: 1) Hometown of the American Hero
Colonel Alexander Doniphan, 2) Hometown of both the Cowdery and Whitmer
families after expulsion from Far West, 3) Site of Richmond Jail where
Joseph Smith rebuked the guards after being taken prisoner there (as
reported by Parley P. Pratt), 4) Site of the Three Witnesses Monument and
Pioneer Cemetery, and 5) gravesites of the Whitmers. The Pioneer Cemetery contains the
remains of those who died about 1865 and earlier. We found the
gravesites of Jacob Whitmer (one of the
Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon) and his daughters. According to
historical books and markers, the site also contains the graves of Peter
Whitmer and others, but we could not identify their specific graves. After
about 1865, folks were buried in the new cemetery on the west side of town.
David Whitmer was buried there. This "new"
city cemetery is situated on a hill providing an
excellent view of the Richmond area. |
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The Richmond Townsquare contains a massive statue of Colonel Alexander
Doniphan. He was not only a Mexican War hero, but also a "friend of the
Mormons", once saving Joseph Smith's life by not following a direct military
order to execute the Prophet. Several plaques explain the history of
Richmond and prominent people who lived there. Before leaving, I snapped a
shot of Sietske in the square. Due to nightfall (and fatigue from
the day's activities), we bypassed the opportunity to stop at Liberty and
ended the day back in Overland Park, Kansas at the Fairfield Inn. |
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We arose Sunday morning and
drove to historic Independence. Due to the early hour (and being a Sunday
morning), traffic was light and most parking lots were empty. We parked in
the RLDS Temple parking lot at the corner of River Boulevard and Lexington
Avenue. A cool, brisk air kept our photos to a minimum, but regardless were
able to snap some beautiful Fall pictures.... We walked around the
RLDS Temple, the LDS Visitor's Center, the
RLDS Auditorium, the Church of Christ, and
the RLDS properties to the north of Lexington Avenue. To our surprise, we came across a
plaque at southeast corner of Lexington and Bowen Avenues, lying in the
grass on the Church of Christ lot. It reads, "N.
W. CORNER OF TEMPLE." I find this amazing, considering never noticing
this item throughout the several visits to the area on prior occasions. |
| The "pleasure" portion of our
trip ended with a flare of American history.
The Harry S. Truman Museum is a must-see exhibit if passing through
Independence. On previous trips, the museum was closed due to renovation.
Considering the awesomeness of our experience, it was well worth the wait. The exhibit sponsors a variety of
historical memoranda including the very table that was utilized in the
creation of the U.N. Charter. A special treat to us was the replica of
President Truman's Oval Office. It is complete with the paintings that hung
on the walls of the original room, including furniture, the globe, and other
items. Purely fascinating, considering I have never seen the "real thing."
Of important religious (or NOT religion to some) is a painting of
Harry Truman dressed fully in the robes of
Masonry. The visit to the museum would not be complete without spending
a few minutes in the courtyard, paying
respects to the very first world leader who recognized Israel as a nation in
1946. Before leaving Independence, and since time
permitted a quick stop, we drove to the corner of Delaware Street and Truman
Road for a glimpse of Harry Truman's home.
The site is a national memorial and therefore tours are provided, although
we did not take up this offer. The home appears to be in excellent condition
and is on the agenda for the next trip to the area. Until our next trip.... |
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