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Some call him a gunslinger. Others claim he was a real-life Robin Hood. From Midwestern prairies to the pages of American folklore, Jesse James' legacy transcends well beyond his short life.
This year marks the 125th anniversary of James' death. He was shot and killed just 30 minutes north of Kansas City at his rural home in St. Joseph, Mo.
His killing is the subject of a new movie out this September called The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. The film stars Brad Pitt as Jesse and Casey Affleck as the man who killed him, Robert Ford.
Follow in the footsteps of this infamous outlaw at several historical sites around Kansas City.
Jesse James Farm and Museum
Kearney, Mo.
• Tour the authentically preserved farm house where Jesse was born in 1847 and lived until his early teens. The museum also features the world's largest collection of James family artifacts and the outlaw's original gravesite.
Jesse James Home Museum
St. Joseph, Mo.
• The city of St. Joseph is home to many James-related sites, most importantly his home and the site of his assassination. Jesse was shot and killed in this house on April 3, 1882, by fellow gang member Bob Ford. The house is furnished as it might have looked in 1881 and the legendary bullet hole still remains.
Jesse James Bank Museum
Liberty, Mo.
• Located on the historic Liberty Square, this building was the site of a famous bank robbery—executed by the infamous James Gang on Feb. 14, 1866. Step back in time with period furnishings, the original bank vault and a rare Seth Thomas clock that shows the time and date of the robbery.
Jesse James' Grave
Kearney, Mo.
• Visit Jesse's final resting place at Mt. Oliver Cemetery in downtown Kearney. He is buried near his wife, mother, stepfather and half brother.
1859 Jail, Marshal's Home & Museum
Independence, Mo.
• After Jesse's death in 1882, his partner and brother Frank turned himself in. Although accused of robbery and murder, he was shown special treatment. Frank was allowed to leave his jail cell to visit with other inmates, eat dinner with the marshal's family and even walk around town.
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Photo Credit: Photos Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention
& Visitors Association
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Jesse James Bank Museum, exterior
Caption: This bank in Liberty was the site of the first daylight bank robbery during peacetime, which was attributed to the James gang.
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Jesse James Bank Museum, interior
Caption: This bank in Liberty was the site of the first daylight bank robbery during peacetime, which was attributed to the James gang. This image is not available for download.
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Click here to request image.
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Jesse James Farm Home, grave and home
Caption: This home where Frank and Jesse James grew up features Jesse's original gravesite.
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Jesse James Farm Home, home exterior
Caption: The home outside of Kearney, Mo., where Jesse James was born features the world's largest collection of James family artifacts.
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