Historic site

Jesse James Bank Museum

The site of the nation's first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery, restored to 1866.

On the historic square in Liberty, the Jesse James Bank Museum stands on the site of the nation's first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery. The robbers were never caught, and the crime was attributed to the infamous James gang. Visitors see the bank as it was in 1866.

What you’ll find here

  • Restored 1866 bank interior
  • On the historic Liberty square
  • Guided history of the James gang

Plan a visit

Hours vary by season and by program. See what to expect and how to arrange a visit or a group program.

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Keep exploring

More Clay County places

All parks & places →
Smithville Lake at Clay County Parks. Lake · Smithville Smithville Lake A 4,000-acre lake for every season, boating, camping, trails, and beaches. The Jesse James Birthplace farmhouse and grounds. Historic site · Kearney Jesse James Birthplace The farm where the legend began, and the largest collection of James family artifacts. Mt. Gilead Church, an 1870s historic site. Historic site · Kearney Mt. Gilead School & Church An 1870s church and one-room school, a living history classroom and a rentable venue.

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