Historic Sites

The Hall of Waters was built in 1936-1937 as a bottling facility and distribution point for the healing, medicinal mineral waters of Excelsior Springs.

Mt. Gilead Church was organized in 1830 as a Primitive Baptist Church, with services held in the homes of its members. In 1841 they became Mt. Gilead Christian Church erecting their first building in 1844.

The Shoal Creek Living History Museum is nestled upon 80 acres within Hodge Park, the museum is home to 21 authentic nineteenth century buildings (dating 1807-1885).

Explore local history at the Historic Liberty Jail. During the winter of 1838-1839, Mormon Prophet and leader Joseph Smith and five others were held in the Liberty Jail. A reconstruction of the original jail now stands inside a granite rotunda, making year-round visitations possible.

Mt. Gilead School operated for over 100 years until it closed its doors in 1946.

This three-story woolen mill building - complete with intact mid-nineteenth century textile machinery - provides guests with a close-up experience with the Industrial Revolution in rural America.

Built between 1831 and 1834, the Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum is one of the oldest continuously occupied homes in Clay County.

In 1927 Donald Pharis purchased a 160-acre farm in rural Clay County and gave up teaching to farm full time. As a farmer he continued to teach about the importance of soil and water conservation. He was the first farmer in Clay County to terrace his fields. He was a founding member of the Clay County Soil & Water Conservation District and assisted farmers throughout the Midwest. Donald and his second wife, Laura welcomed students to their farm and taught them about historical and modern farming practices, the importance of soil and water conservation, and pioneer life. Today, visitors can tour the farm during special events.