St.Joseph
Saint Joseph,
Missouri, (Census
2000, population 73,99) boasts a blend of urban and rural living, set
against the scenic backdrop of America’s heartland. Occupying the Missouri/Kansas
border in the extreme northwestern edge of MO, St. Joseph's centralized location
is only thirty minutes outside of
Kansas City.
Echoes from its history reverberate through this community, where well-to-do
merchants and daring outlaws once lived. Local fur trader,
Joseph Robidoux, founded Saint Joseph, which officially incorporated in
1843. This rugged frontier town was the final supply point before travelers
reached the “Wild
West”, because until after the Civil War, this border town remained the
nation’s westernmost point accessible by rail.
Beginning on April 3, 1860, St. Joseph was also one of the two endpoints for
the courageous riders of the
Pony Express. The notorious
Jesse James, who, at the time used the alias of Mr. Howard, died from a
gunshot wound in St. Joseph exactly 22 years later on April 3, 1882. The
Heaton-Bowman-Smith Funeral Home maintains a small exhibit dedicated to the
famous outlaw. The home of Jesse James, that features the infamous bullet hole
of that fateful shot, remains a popular tourist destination. These historic
events led to Saint Joseph’s slogan: “Where the Pony Express started and Jesse
James ended”. St. Joseph was also the birthplace of
Walter Cronkite, a long-time CBS News anchorman.
Saint Joseph boasts a thriving economy, with a steadily growing industrial
scene. Impressive local and state economic incentives benefit new and expanding
businesses, while a well-established infrastructure and low taxes keep existing
companies happy. Businesses have convenient access to the
Kansas City International Airport and a strategic location at the crossroads
of Interstate 29 and Highway 36. As the seat of
Buchanan County, Saint Joseph serves as a regional center of commerce, where
agribusiness, food products and pet foods lead the manufacturing sector. The
community maintains a labor force of more than 35,000, with an unemployment rate
of 5.6%.
Tourism continues to expand in the Saint Joseph area. This charming city
teems with fascinating museums that attract history buffs to the area. These
include the
Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, the
Patee House Museum and the Pony Express Museum. Visitors also enjoy the lovely surroundings in
Krug Park,
Lewis and Clark State Park and the beloved
Parkway. Other interesting attractions include the
Frontier Casino Riverboat,
Missouri Theater, Museum Hill Historic District,
St. Joseph Aquatic Park and Wyeth Tootle Mansion. Saint Joseph also
features a delightful community chorus, a full-time symphony and an active
Performing Arts Association.
The quality of life experienced by St. Joseph’s citizens remains enviable.
Residents are privy to a low cost of living, low rates of crime and convenient
access to the amenities of the
Kansas City metro area. Students have access to excellent
public schools and many excellent
private schools. St. Joseph offers several options for higher learning
including
Missouri Western State University.
Saint Joseph,
Missouri began as a rugged frontier town and transformed into a flourishing
community with a wide range of cultural and recreational amenities. Named
“All-America City” by the
National Civic League in 1997, St. Joseph provides a friendly community with
a charming small-town ambiance.
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