James Brothers' House and Farm, Historic farmhouse in Kearney, Missouri
The James Brothers' House and Farm is a farmhouse in Kearney, Missouri, made up of a log structure from the early 1800s and a later wood addition that gives the building a T-shape. The property includes several outbuildings set on open farmland that surrounds the main house.
The house was built in the early 1800s and served as the family home for several generations. It became widely known as the birthplace of Jesse and Frank James, two brothers who became notorious outlaws in the years after the Civil War.
The house is open as a museum today, with rooms furnished to show daily life on a Missouri farm in the 1800s. Objects connected to cooking, sleeping, and farm work are displayed in their original setting, giving a clear picture of how the family spent their days.
The property is a short drive east of Kearney and is best reached by car. Visitors walk the grounds to see the buildings, so comfortable footwear is helpful since the terrain can be uneven in places.
The mother of Jesse James, Zerelda Samuel, personally led tours of the farm and sold pebbles from her son's grave on the property to paying visitors. She is considered one of the first people in the country to turn a private home into a tourist attraction in this way.
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