Liberty has a rich, nearly 200 year history, and one of Liberty's claims to fame is as the site of the first daylight, peacetime bank robbery in the US by the infamous James Gang.
Located on the historic Liberty Square, history buffs will enjoy walking through the Jesse James Bank Museum as it was in 1866 when the event took place, with period furnishings filling the room to give visitors an immersive experience. Along with this, the museum features a rare Seth Thomas clock that’s set for the exact time the crime took place. The tour takes you through the steps the Jesse Gang took on February 13, 1866. 
While roaming the museum, visitors are able to look into the original vault while hearing the story of how the robbery took place. Guests will leave feeling as though they experienced the event themselves.
The bank opened in 1858 as the Clay County Savings Association. After the robbery, the bank couldn’t make up the money lost ($60,000) and ended up closing. Within the museum is an area with bank related memorabilia that was donated by the family of the college student killed in the robbery, George Wymore.
The Jesse James Bank Museum is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is located at 103 N. Water St. in Liberty, MO. The museum is closed during January and February and on all holidays, so make sure to check out their hours online before planning your trip!
For more information about the museum and how to purchase tickets, visit the Clay County website!