Harry Truman’s Hometown: Out and About in Independence

Independence, Missouri, was Harry Truman’s hometown, and, throughout his life, he enjoyed walking its streets. Enjoy these photos of Truman out and about in Independence. Then, learn how you can retrace our hometown president’s steps today.

Truman was an early riser, and his walks typically began at about 7 a.m. Here he is opening the gate to his home to begin his morning walk.

Truman would usually walk a mile or two each morning. He was known for taking different routes around his neighborhood, past the homes, schools, and churches he grew up near. Here he is on the Independence Square, walking with reporters from the Independence Examiner.

The morning walk was a way for Truman to maintain his physical and mental health. He used the time to sort out the day’s business in his mind, but he never turned down a request for a quick chat or an autograph. Above, surrounded by unidentified individuals, Truman chats with photographer Sammie Feeback outside the Truman Depot.

Truman kept up a quick pace on his walks, as a result of his experience in the Army. It’s reported that he walked about 120 paces per minute. Here he is walking in stride with a younger, taller photographer outside his home in 1954.

The time of year didn’t matter much. Above, Truman walks through the snow on the streets of Independence with various unidentified individuals.

As he got older, Truman continued his walks, though he shortened his route. As late as 1969, a schoolboy at William Chrisman Junior High School remembers President Truman walking by every morning a little before 8 o’clock. The photo above was taken in 1956 as Truman walked to vote in the polls.