JESSE JAMES BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM

JESSE JAMES FARM HOME, GRAVE AND HOME
This home where Frank and Jesse James grew up features Jesse's original gravesite. 

DESCRIPTION: Located in nearby Kearney, Missouri, the Jesse James Birthplace features the world’s largest display of James family artifacts and the Jesse’s original gravesite. Guests tour the authentically preserved grounds and see into the farm house where Jesse James was born in 1847.

ADDRESS: 21216 James Farm Road, Kearney, MO 64060

LOCATION: Approximately 30 minutes north of Downtown Kansas City.

PHONE: 816-736-8500

WEBSITE: jessejamesmuseum.org 

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • The tour begins at the museum with an introductory film about the James Family and the history of Missouri leading up to the Civil War and after.
  • Many family artifacts are on display in the museum including guns and the boots Jesse was wearing when he was killed by Bob Ford.
  • Tours are offered daily. The home has been historically preserved and features James family furnishings and personal belongings.
  • Guests are encouraged to browse the museum store. A wide variety of books relating to the period are available as well as t-shirts, mugs and other souvenirs. 

HOURS: June-August: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. September-May: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-4 p.m. Sun.        

ADMISSION: Adults $9.00, seniors $8.00, children (8-15) $5.50, children under 8 free. 

HISTORY: Jesse James, son of a Baptist minister, was born at the family home in 1847. Barely 16, he followed his older brother Frank into the Civil War. While Frank rode with Quantrill’s guerrillas, Jesse rode with Bloody Bill Anderson. After the war ended Jesse returned home and joined other former Confederate guerrillas in a life of outlawry. Guests tour the farm home purchased by Rev. James and his wife Zerelda. Jesse was born in the cabin bedroom. Jesse parents purchased the property in 1845. After Jesse’s death, his mother, Zerelda gave tours through the cabin. Frank and his son Robert continued to give tours as did Jesse’s grandsons. Jesse’s grandsons sold the property to Clay County in 1978. The county restored the cabin and visitors from all over the world still come to tour the James Family cabin. 

WHERE TO GET LUNCH: Try Stables Grill, La Fuente Mexican Restaurant or Gino's, all located nearby. 

ANNUAL ATTENDANCE: 10,000-12,000

WHAT’S NEARBY: The Jesse James Bank Museum is a 15-minute drive south to downtown Liberty, MO. Located on the historic Liberty Square, the bank was the site of the first daylight robbery during peacetime. Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site is located four miles east of the James Farm. Both sites are open year-round.

ANNUAL SPECIAL EVENTS: The town of Kearney, MO, hosts the annual Jesse James Festival on the third weekend in September. The event features a carnival, barbecue contest, parade and a rodeo.

DID YOU KNOW: More than 50 movies have been made about Jesse James. Among the actors to portray the famous outlaw are Roy Rogers, Kris Kristofferson, Henry Fonda, Robert Duvall, Robert Wagner, Collin Farrell, Rob Lowe and Brad Pitt.

GROUP TOURS: Discounts are available to groups of 15 or more. Contact the museum for details.

PARKING: Plenty of room for RVs.

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT:  Beth Beckett, director of Jesse James Museum, 816-736-8502 or bbeckett@claycountymo.gov

Media Contacts

Devin Aaron
Devin Aaron 
(National/International Media)
Visit KC
816-691-3805
daaron@visitkc.com
Makenzie Wolters
Makenzie Wolters 
(Kansas City/Regional Media)
Visit KC
816-691-3811
mwolters@visitkc.com

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