It was a cold and snowy February afternoon when a group of horsemen rode into Liberty, Missouri. After a short time, gunshots broke the winter silence as the men rode off with their loot leaving one young college student dead and the town in shock.
The Jesse James Bank, located on the historic square in Liberty, Missouri, was the site of the nation’s first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery. While the robbers were never caught, the crime as attributed to the infamous James Gang.
Visitors see the bank as it was in 1866. Period furnishings fill the room and one becomes immersed in the story of the robbery as told by the bank teller. As you peer into the original green vault you can imagine the fear felt by the two bank tellers. Among the furnishings, a rare Seth Thomas clock, set for the exact time and date of the robbery, February 13, 1866. Many photographs and other documents are on display for the public to view.
A museum store offers many historical books, period style toys and games, and other fun souvenir keepsakes.
For more information, or to schedule a tour call us at (816)736-8510.
The Jesse James Bank Museum is operated by the Department of Clay County Historic Sites.
