James Trail

By Renée S. Gordon Freelance & History Writer

plenish the stones. When she died she left the house to Frank who continued to live there until his death in 1915. His wife lived there until her death in 1944. #visitkearneymo

The arrival of the Federal militia at the James’ farm was a turning point in Jesse’s life. In May of 1863 they rode in to question the family about Confederate guerrillas active in the region because they were aware of the family’s links with and sympathies for the bushwhackers. When they gave no information Jesse was severely horsewhipped and his stepfather was repeatedly hung from a tree. Soon after, 16-year-old Jesse left home to join his brother in William “Bloody Bill” Anderson’s guerrilla band.

Losing the war left Jesse angry and poor but with ruthlessness and a criminal skill set to fall back on. On February 13, 1866 he and the James Gang rode into Liberty, MO and committed the first successful, peacetime, daylight robbery. Only the banker and his son were there as Frank went inside the bank while Jesse kept a lookout on the exterior. They netted $58,000 ($1,085,990 in 2022). As they made their escape they killed a college student, the only murder victim. The men managed

Jesse James Bank Museum in Liberty remains arrested in time. It is outfitted as it was on that day in 1866. The period décor includes a Seth Thomas clock set for the exact date and time the one-room bank was robbed. The original green bank vault is also on displayed along with documents, photographs and objects of Americana. The museum store is stocked with items that make great souvenirs and keepsakes. The bank never recovered from the theft and had to close. #visitlibertymo

James is documented to have robbed at least seven railroads. Please turn to next page.

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