JESSE JAMES
Cameron is conveniently located as the hub of the Jesse James legend as James’ related sites radiate in all directions. Enjoy Cameron hospitality by staying at any of the five Chamber motels and dining at our nine eating establishments and begin the tour. Head south on I-35 30 miles to Kearney to view the James burial site and family farm where the Pinkerton raid killed one brother and maimed matriarch Zerelda James Samuels.
Go 5 miles further south to Liberty to the first James Bank Robbery and tour the old Liberty Jail. Jesse’s father was a founder of William Jewell College and that historic campus is noteworthy as is the town square.
Return to Cameron and see the former Rock Island Station at 3rd & Cherry where members of James gang boarded the train to Winston. Take 2nd street east to Walnut (Hwy 69) to the restored Cameron Depot Museum. Artifacts include a dental chair on the train during the robbery.
Head north 9 miles on Hwy 69 to Winston. The 1881 train robbery during which the conductor and others were slain debunks the Robin Hood aspect of the James legend. Just east of Winston, an old stone culvert can still be seen on the north side of Hwy 6 where allegedly more of the James gang lay in wait with horses.
Continue east 10 miles on Hwy 6 to Gallatin, site of the James 1869 Bank robbery and the 1883 trial of Frank James. Tour the unique restored 1888 Squirrel Cage jail which was in use until 1970’s. Only two others like it exist.
Return to Cameron and head west on Hwy 36 to St. Joseph and tour Jesse’s final home where he was slain by the Ford brothers. More books and movies have been produced about the James gang than any other outlaw in United States history. Certainly they were a part of the turbulent times of the Civil War and railroad expansion period.
HISTORY
Your stay in Cameron provides additional historic sites. Go south on Hwy 69 for 6 miles to HH then 2 miles and visit Wallace State Park. Enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and swimming.
Return to HH until 5.6 miles west of Kingston, then take D north 2.6 miles to the Far West Area. In 1836 the Missouri State Legislature designated Caldwell County as a Mormon sanctuary. The Far West area was platted as the county seat having a population of 5000 by 1838. The site was abandoned due to the governor’s order and the massacre at Haun’s Mill. The four cornerstones of the intended temple remain. The property includes descriptive markers, restrooms and a small church.
Continue D north to Hwy 36, then east to Hamilton. Tour the J.C. Penney home and museum on Hwy 13 then continue north 14 miles to Gallatin. Approximately 2 miles east then 4 miles north on 13. Adam-Ondi-Ahman, overlooks a sharp bend of the Grand River. Joseph Smith selected the site meaning Adam’s Consecrated Land in 1837. Population of several thousand Mormons followed. Site includes an overlook, Signal Hill, a picnic area w/restrooms.
Return to east Hwy 6 to NN to Jamesport, the largest Amish settlement in Missouri. Here the Amish live as they did in the 17th century using horses and buggies. Their farms are attractive and well managed without utilizing electricity. The Amish prepare beautiful baked goods and quilts, as well as exceptional plants and produce. Area tours are available and include many bakeries, restaurants, and gift and antique stores.
Return to Cameron via Hwy 6 to Hwy 69 and enjoy the rest of your stay.
