The day before we headed to Independence, MO (close to Kansas City), Andrew pointed out an interesting note on the map for the upcoming RV park—something that looked like a prayer center. Doing a bit more research, we realized that the campground—Campus RV Park— “…began as a church campground for the Community of Christ church. In 1994, the park officially evolved into a business that continues to serve those traveling from all around the World.”

That piqued our curiosity, and we now know more about the Community of Christ (formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) and Independence, MO, than we ever intended to! Short version: Apparently, Joseph Smith (founder of the Mormons) declared the local area to be the future City of Zion (linked to the Second Coming of Christ). Mormons started to move there, and the locals got nervous and forced them out. After that, the history starts to read like a reality show (including the murder of Joseph Smith)… but today’s Community of Christ is apparently a stable and thriving international community (and a bit more progressive in its thinking than some of its LDS counterparts). 

One more piece of interesting Independence history—it holds a significant place in the history of westward exploration and settlement. According to the National Trails Museum: 

“Independence, Missouri, a frontier village of only a few hundred people poised on the edge of American civilization, was the principal “jumping-off” point for three of the western trails. Founded in 1827, the town first became the eastern terminus for the Santa Fe Trail and later as an outfitting post for emigrants heading to Oregon and California as well. Every spring, the center of present-day Independence was blanketed by thousands of emigrants, complete with wagons, teams, other livestock, tents, cargo, and supplies.”

OK, history lesson complete!