Liberty Then & Now

Liberty, Missouri is rich in history. In the early 1800s, American settlers began to arrive in the Liberty area. By 1822 the settlement had grown to become the County seat for Clay County. Liberty is the second oldest incorporated town west of the Mississippi River.

The Liberty Landing steamboat dock was located along the Missouri River. As Liberty was the "jumping off" point for the frontier and westward expansionists, the Liberty Landing was a disembarking location for merchandise and early settlers. The steamboats would fire a cannon when they were several miles away from Liberty in order to give merchants and the town’s people time to reach the dock before the boat arrived.

Liberty is the home of the 1833 Liberty Jail, known for its most famous prisoner, Joseph Smith, prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Later Day Saints. William Jewell College, one of the oldest private colleges in Missouri, was founded in 1849 and there was also the Liberty Female Institute (also known as the Liberty Ladies College) that provided a comparable education for women.

The Clay County Savings Bank was the site of the first successful daylight bank robbery on February 13, 1866, allegedly committed by the James-Younger Gang.

Liberty today is home to five local historic districts featuring 240 preserved homes and buildings built more than 100 years ago, six districts on the National Register of Historic Places, a thriving downtown historic Square and surrounding area, three museums and many notable sites of interest.

Discover unique shops around the historic square and surrounding area. Shop great stores that stock fabulous items for you and your home. Stop in at the local book store and enjoy a cup of coffee, create a memory at the local paper boutique, see the wonderful treasures at the antique shop, satisfy your sweet side at the local bakery and candy shop. American, Italian & Mexican restaurants are only a short walk away. Relax and enjoy our beautiful Liberty!