“Taking It to the Next Level”

Most of the blog entries have been related to our neighborhood within the context of our nation’s important presidential history. But there is so much more to Independence. The Independence Square is the epicenter of our nation’s rich pioneer trails history. Most folks know that there are 3 major trails, Santa Fe - California - Oregon, with their beginnings here. Other trails of importance include the Mormon Trail, Lewis & Clark Trail, and the little-known “Trail of Death” of the Potawatomi Indian Tribe in 1838 (yet to be designated). The National Park Service (NPS) has a very active program with professional staff located in 15 states to interpret our nation’s 30 designated National Historic Trails traversing through practically every corner of the country, including Hawaii & Alaska. Independence is the only city in the country to have a connection to more than 3 or 4 of these national trails and we are actually important to 6. And with our central location, one would think that the federal government would include Independence as a prominent location for their staff and resources for national trails. But they do not. In fact, Independence would be the logical choice for the headquarters of the NPS National Trails System. We already have the presence of the NPS here in town, but their primary mission and focus is all about Truman. And most folks don’t know this but our National Frontier Trails Center hosts the national headquarters for the Oregon California Trails Association (OCTA), a not-for-profit group that is very active in promoting and interpreting the history of those two national trails. The City of Independence has done a respectable job with the operation of the “National” Frontier Trails Center with their dedicated staff and volunteers. But with shrinking budgets from City Hall, no federal assistance, and city priorities elsewhere, we cannot take it to the next level. And the expression “Taking It to the Next Level” was meant to be literal. There is an entire second floor in the old mill building that could potentially open up much more space for exhibition, archives, education, and offices. More recent history reminds us that our community did not roll out the red carpet for the NPS decades ago during confrontations between national preservation interests and churches. During that time, good Christian folks sent letters to their congressmen complaining about the NPS’s presence in their community. It becomes evident how our past struggles in preserving and protecting our presidential history spills over into many other aspects of our community. We should not be shy about telling our important stories to the world. And we should not be shy in inviting others outside our community to participate in this exciting venture.