INDEPENDENCE, MO. — Leaders and members of local civic, church and historical associations on May 25 gathered near the spot where the Prophet Joseph Smith dedicated the temple lot in Independence to dedicate the first plaque in a project known as the Missouri Mormon Walking Trail.
"The trail is one of the walking trails envisioned to enhance the history of Independence and promote tourism," said Independence Mayor Rondell Stewart. "We hope that these markers will inspire the citizens of our city to be proud of the city's Mormon heritage. . . . When the Mormons were first here in the 1830s, some of the local citizens did not recognize the major contributions they were making to community life. They established the first newspapers and the first school. They established businesses and printed the first book. They developed many religious principles while they lived here that have become assets to our city when they returned in their several denominations in later years."
The trail, which begins just west of the LDS Visitors Center and proceeds through downtown Independence and the historic square, consists of 14 large brass customized plaques installed in concrete outside sites such as the Flournoy home (where negotiations for purchase of the temple lot took place), the Edward Partridge home and school, the Rathbun blacksmith shop, the public square, the Gilbert & Whitney Store, the Church printing office, the Log Courthouse, Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs' home and the Noland House Inn (where Joseph Smith and other Church leaders were held under house arrest awaiting trial).
Local artist Henry K. Inouye created the artwork for the plaques, which were individually designed to reflect the history of their respective sites. All plaques should be permanently installed by July.
Elder Hugh Barlow, director of the LDS Visitors Center, noted that there is great significance in the fact that this project was a joint undertaking of many interests in Independence.
"This has been a great cooperative effort to promote the historical locations of special significance to Mormon history," he noted.
Leaders of not only the Mormon Missouri Frontier Foundation, but also the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Restoration Branch shared input and assisted with the work.
Diane Barlow echoed the feelings of Elder Barlow, her husband, saying: "Members of the executive board of the Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation include members of the LDS, RLDS, Church of Jesus Christ, Restoration, the African Methodist and Episcopalian and Catholic churches in Independence. This project involves people of many faiths working together to promote Mormon history. It's very exciting."
More information about the walking tour may be obtained by calling the LDS Visitors Center at (816) 836-3466.
