Truman Farm: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, National Park Service

The Truman Farm is a 5.26 acre site located in Grandview, a city just south of Kansas City in western Missouri. Along with five acres of adjacent land, the farm comprises the Grandview Unit of Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, which also encompasses areas and structures associated with Truman’s life in Independence, Missouri. The Truman Farm landscape centers on the historic farm home, one of few remaining features of the 600-acre farm that Harry S. Truman helped his family operate during the early 20th century. The period of significance for the Truman Farm includes the years 1906 to 1917, representing the time that Harry Truman lived and worked on the farm. It is primarily important for its association to Truman as a significant historical figure, as he would later serve as the thirty-third president of the United States. It also represents a typical example of a Midwestern family farm around the turn of the century. The history of the farm is traced to 1867, when Truman’s grandfather made the initial land purchase and built the house and outbuildings. Harry Truman was twenty-two when he returned to assist with the farm, leaving his position as a bank clerk in Kansas City. The responsibilities of farm work, including the demanding hours, supervision of workers, and management of operations, would influence Truman’s character and prepare him for success on the political landscape. Truman’s time on the farm ended with his departure to serve in World War I, although he would remain rooted to his farm experience and firmly committed to his family’s efforts to remain on the land. The current farm landscape contains three historically significant buildings clustered near the center of the property: the Truman Farm Home, the Truman Farm Garage, and the Truman Farm Poultry House. Several other structures at the site were built or relocated in later years and do not contribute to the site’s historic character. Some scattered stands of trees and shrubs adorn the landscape, but the setting is primarily defined by the open grassy expanses that stretch to the east and west boundaries. Indications of the historic landscape are also evident in the remnant stone posts that once marked gateways and fences. In addition to the standing posts, there are piles of posts that were unearthed by neighboring commercial developments and deposited on the remaining farm property. Although little remains of the farm as it once existed, substantial archeological features have been identified, including numerous foundations from non-extant structures. Documentation in writing and photographs also help convey an image of the farm’s past use and appearance. The Truman Farm is bounded by Blue Ridge Boulevard and a collection of modern restaurants, shopping centers, and residential developments. The historic landscape has been considerably altered by surrounding urban encroachment, the loss of historic farm structures, and various restoration efforts. Still, the site retains integrity in aspects of location, design, materials, and association, and a visitor can glean a sense of the landscape that influenced Harry S. Truman’s formative years. The property has been maintained by the National Park Service (NPS) since 1994, and preservation efforts are directed towards restoring the site to its appearance during the time of significance.

Truman Farm: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, National Park Service

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