Early border town, prominent trading and outfitting center, and one of the farthest northwest of U. S. towns to be based on southern culture and economy. Settled about 1820, mainly by southern pioneers, the town became the seat of justice for Clay County, 1822.

Many settlers of northwest Missouri and the far West outfitted here, as did caravans during the '49 Gold Rush. Liberty Landing, 4 miles south, was an important Missouri River port. Nearby is Liberty Bridge.

The Mexican War, 1846 - 1848, with promise of southwest territory and trade, was popular in Missouri and the State raised 1358 troops. Alexander W. Doniphan of Liberty led the First Regiment of Missouri Volunteers on a brilliant expedition covering 3,600 land and 2,000 water miles in 12 months, highlighted with victory at the Battle of Sacramento, 1847. Doniphan's grave is in Fairview Cemetery.

William Jewell College was chartered, 1849, under Baptist sponsorship. On the school's "Campus of Achievement" is Jewell Hall, a fine example of Classic - Revival architecture. The College maintains a museum.
(see other side two sided marker)

Tags:   liberty missouri historic markers liberty missouri Liberty historic marker clay county liberty missouri historic markers clay county liberty missouri & Mexican War 1846-1848 clay county kansas & Alexander W. Doniphan clay county kansas First Regiment of Missouri Volunteer clay county liberty missouri early border town clay county liberty kansas trading/outfitting center clay county liberty missouri & early pioneer history clay county liberty missouri & early Southern Pioneers clay county liberty missouri & 49 God Rush clay county missouri liberty Landing clay county missouri & missouri river port

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The site of the U. S. Arsenal at Liberty Landing, raided in 1855 by pro-slavery men, recalls the Kansas - Missouri border disputes over the extension of slavery. The arsenal was raided again, April 1861, constituting the first civilian Civil War hostility against the Federal government in the State. During and after the War, the area suffered greatly from guerrilla and outlaw depredations.

Jesse James (1847 - 1882), America's most fabulous outlaw, was born near Kearney, 10 miles northeast. Jesse and his brother Frank were members of Quantrill's Confederate guerrilla band.

Excelsior Springs, founded in 1880, famous spa of the Midwest, with its unusual Hall of Waters, is 15 miles northeast. North Kansas City, an industrial expansion, founded, 1912, by a development company, is 12 miles southwest. Near Excelsior Springs is the pre-Civil War Watkins Woolen Mill, and near Liberty is "Multnomah" home of Indian agent Major John Dougherty (1791 - 1860).

In Liberty is the site of the jail where Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith was held, 1838.

Tags:   clay county liberty missouri Liberty historic marker clay county missouri historic marker clay county liberty missouri historic markers clay county kansas U.S. Arsenal at Liberty Landing clay county kansasKansas-Missouri Border Dispute clay county missouri & Jesse James Clay county kansas & Frank James Indian Agent Multnomah home Indian agent Major John Dougherty clay county liberty missouri & Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith

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"Come, Drink, All Who Thirst For Freedom: The Water Fountain Will No Longer Separate Us As A People."
During the Civil War Era, one of every four Clay County residents was of African descent, although sold in slave auctions & denied inalienable rights, these stalwart men & women helped build homes. churches, roads, schools, & businesses. Along with the planters & farmers, African Americans helped produce the cash crops of grain, hemp, & tobacco that were the foundation of early Clay County wealth.
This monument commemorates African American contributions to Clay County first in slavery & later in freedom. We honor these men & women who rose to become distinguished residents, politicians, educators, & business & civil leaders. We proudly recognize them for their work in the development of the northland into the pinnacle of success it holds in the greater Kansas City Metroplex.
Clay County African American Legacy Consortium
Officers Ruth Emery, Chairperson
A.J. Byrd, vice chairperson
Nukrisha Lee, secretary
Kenneth E. Robinson, treasurer
Dr. Cecelia A. Robinson, Historian
The Board
Theresa Byrd, Herbert Ellett, Sam Houston, Rev. R. E. Miller, Charli Seitz, Bob Shettles, Sara Jo Shettles

Tags:   clay county missouri historic water fountain clay county liberty missour clay county liberty missouri Come Drink All Who Thirst For Freedom: The Water Fountain Will No Longer Separate Us As A People clay county liberty missouri & the Civil War clay county liberty missouri & African-American History Clay County Liberty Missouri African-Americans clay county missouri Afro-Americans

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