Historic site
Jesse James Birthplace
The farm where the legend began, and the largest collection of James family artifacts.
Visitors walk the grounds of the James Samuel family farm and look into the cabin where the legend began. A twenty-minute film recaps the history of Frank and Jesse James before a paved trail winds to the farmhouse and the creek where the boys once played. The museum displays the world's largest collection of James family artifacts, including Jesse's boots and Frank's surrender letter. Jesse's original burial site is in the yard of the family home.
What you’ll find here
- Museum with James family artifacts
- Twenty-minute history film
- Paved trail to the farmhouse
- Original burial site on the grounds
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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More Clay County places
Smithville Lake
A 4,000-acre lake for every season, boating, camping, trails, and beaches.
Jesse James Bank Museum
The site of the nation's first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery, restored to 1866.
Mt. Gilead School & Church
An 1870s church and one-room school, a living history classroom and a rentable venue.
Ready when the County is