Independence Missouri Ghosts and Hauntings

MISSOURI LEGENDS

Haunted Independence

Vintage Independence, courtesy Heritage Museum

Independence, Missouri, lies on the south bank of the Missouri River, near the western edge of the state and a few miles east of Kansas City. Few towns its size can claim such a rich history. The Missouri and Osage Indians originally claimed the area, followed by the Spanish and a brief French tenure. It became American territory with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Independence was the second settlement in Jackson County and was chosen as the county seat in 1826. From 1841 to 1849, Independence was known as the Queen City of the Trails as goods and services were provided for travelers beginning their long journey on the Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails.

In the 1840s, the cities of Independence, Westport, and Kansas City merged into the great city of Centropolis, envisioned as the dominant metropolis of the area, much like Chicago or St. Louis. Today, Westport is part of Kansas City and Independence is its largest suburb.

In 1945, the city’s most famous son, Harry S. Truman, became President of the United States. While residing in Washington, D.C., his home at 216 North Delaware served as his summer White House.

There is much to see and do in Independence -- from unique shops to thirteen heritage sites that paved the future of our country.

Old Jackson County Jail

This old jail, built in 1859, included 12 limestone jail cells and an adjoining Marshal’s House. The dungeon-like cells housed thousands of prisoners including Frank James and William Clark Quantrill of Quantrill’s Raiders from the time it opened in 1850 until it closed in 1933.

Old Jackson County Jail, courtesy Jackson County

Historical Society

In 1863, the jail housed many women and children that were accused of harboring Missouri guerilla forces during the Civil War.

Reportedly, one of the first cells as you enter the old jail is thoroughly haunted. Staff and visitors describe a feeling of nausea and chills, as well as hearing the sound of footsteps, growls and gasps. Others have reported seeing a man in blue in this cell.

There are two theories of who haunts the jail. One is of Marshall Jim Knowles, who lived in the adjoining Marshal’s house. During the Civil War, Knowles lost his life trying to settle a fight between two prisoners with opposing sentiments regarding the war. Others say a deputy marshal who was killed during a jailbreak in June of 1866 haunts the jail.

When Legends of America visited the old jail, the museum host also said that the building is haunted by the many women and children who were housed there during the Civil War. Describing female and child like apparitions and the sounds of children, the staff and guests have also experienced an assortment of odd occurrences from radios seemingly turning on and off by themselves, to items being mysteriously moved around.

On our visit at the old jail, their was no doubt a ominous perception as we entered the jail, that passed as quickly as it appeared, when we exited those old stone walls.

The jail is now operated as a museum and is located in Independence Square at 217 N. Main Street. Both the jail and the Marshal’s Home have been painstakingly restored and self-guided tours are available March through October.

Independence Missouri Jail Interior

Independence Jail Interior, April, 2004, Kathy Weiser

When Frank James stayed at the Independence Jail he was perceived by the Missouri public as a hero and received his own cell as well as special treatment. April, 2004, Kathy Weiser.

Vaile Mansion

Though this old building has no accounts of recent hauntings, it is said that at one time it was so ominous that passersby would cross the street rather than walk in front of the old home. Built by Colonel and Mrs. Harvey Vaile in 1881, the 31-room mansion includes nine marble fireplaces, spectacular painted ceilings, flushing toilets, a built-in 6,000-gallon water tank, and a 48,000-gallon wine cellar.

Reportedly, some time after Mr. Vaile built the mansion he encountered some trouble when he was accused of mail fraud and potentially faced a jail sentence. The despondent Mr. Vaile began to deteriorate and went a little crazy.

Vaile Mansion

Mrs. Vaile, mortified over the accusations, took an overdose of morphine and killed herself in 1889. Later Mr. Vaile was exonerated but, alas, it was obviously too late for his wife. Mr. Vaile lived for another five years and never remarried.

Supposedly the mansion was haunted by Sylvia Vaile, as she was often reported as having been seen looking out the windows after her death. According to one legend, when she died, her husband could not part with her so he buried her on the front lawn in a glass-topped coffin set flush with the ground. However, neighborhood protests finally forced him to give his wife a more conventional burial. We, at Legends of America, talked to the people working at the Vaile Mansion in the spring of 2004, who not only looked at us like we were insane, but denied that Mrs. Vaile was ever buried on the property. (Who knows?)

After Mr. Vaile died in 1894, the home became an inn for a brief period. Then it was used as a private asylum and sanitarium. A mineral water company, the Vaile Pure Water Co., operated from the site soon after the turn of the century. Later it became a rest home for the aged.

Acquired by Roger and Mary Mildred DeWitt in the 1960s, the home was saved from destruction. It was given to the citizens of Independence after the death of Mrs. DeWitt in 1983. Today the mansion is operated as at 1500 N. Liberty. It is open to the public daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Truman House in Independence, Missouri

Truman House – President Truman is said to still spend time in his old home in Independence. Witnesses have reported seeing him lounging in the living room and the smell of his favorite brandy can often be detected. Truman House is located at 219 N. Delaware in Independence.

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Old West Exclusive Products - Legends of America and the Rocky Mountain General Store now provide a number of exclusive products that you won't find anywhere else! Utilizing our vintage photos, Old West words, and original graphics, you'll find selections for t-shirts, bumper stickers, Old West prints and calendars, and much more. Click HERE to see the entire line.