Missouri Town 1855

Missouri Town 1855 is a living history museum in Fleming Park that features 25 relocated historical buildings spread across 30 acres, showcasing architectural styles from the 1820s through 1860s. The structures were gathered from different parts of the state and arranged to recreate how a rural community appeared during that pre-Civil War period.

The museum was established in 1964 as an effort to preserve Missouri's pre-Civil War heritage by gathering and relocating original buildings from across the state. These structures were moved and reassembled on the site to create an authentic representation of rural life from that era.

Staff members dressed in period clothing demonstrate 19th-century crafts and farm work throughout the grounds, including textile making and cooking. You can watch how people actually performed daily tasks in homes and work areas from that era.

The museum operates seasonally from April through November with guided tours and demonstrations available throughout the site. Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking between different buildings and work areas spread across the grounds.

The site maintains heritage livestock breeds and grows heirloom vegetables and grains that were typical of 1855 farming practices. These living animals and plants help demonstrate how farmers actually managed their land and food production during that period.

Location: Lee's Summit

Inception: 1964

Website: http://jacksongov.org/content/7880/7890/7994/default.aspx

GPS coordinates: 38.97371,-94.30085

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:46