Colorized Independence

Which sounds longest? 73,000 days, 2,400 months, or 200 years?

Missouri officially reached its bicentennial on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, and happily celebrated that milestone in our state’s history.

Several chapters of the history of Missouri, and even our nation, have played out in Independence. First, it was traders and trappers, then it was the pioneers. Later, it was a president.

It’s a colorful history but one that was mostly captured in black and white.

As part of our celebration of Missouri’s 200th birthday, we used artificial intelligence to colorize a handful of historic photos of Independence Square, provided by the Jackson County Historical Society and the Missouri State Historical Society.

The photos really bring our history back to life, don’t you think? 

The Truman Courthouse The Truman Courthouse anchors the Independence Square. It’s gone through many iterations over the years, but looks much like it does today in this photo.
Liberty and Maple Streets This photo was taken looking southwest. The photographed block of stores is now home to Up Dog and Gilbert Whitney & Co.
Harry at the Truman Home Harry S. Truman in front of his home, standing at front gate talking to man, complete front of house in view
Courthouse Exchange The Courthouse Exchange has been in business on the Square since 1899.
Parade Float A parade float for local realtor G.W. Clinton. First Baptist Church is in the background.
Valentine's Day The Square was piled up with snow on Valentine’s Day in 1894.
Pleasant Street A 1904 photograph showing view of Pleasant Street looking north.
Quantrill Raiders Reunion Photograph of survivors of Quantrill’s Raiders taken in Independence, Missouri, on south side of the square.