The Independence Logo and Seal
Many towns and cities have stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. The rare few have stories of such historic proportions that they become the stuff of legends. Rarer still are the cities whose “Once Upon a Time” is tied to the opening chapters of so many American lives.
But, Independence, Missouri is a city unlike any other. It is where 400,000 fearless souls set off on a new venture that would alter the course of their lives and the trajectory of an entire country. It is a visionary, self-determined, and free-spirited city that became the jumping-off point to a whole new world.
It’s not surprising then that 100 years later, the 33rd President of the United States should also find his roots and the jumping-off point in Independence. In his own pioneering way, Harry S. Truman helped write a big part of our country’s history. And as a great American himself, shape its ideals and role in the world.
From the strength and fortitude of its earliest trailblazers to the straight-talking, pragmatism of Harry S. Truman, Independence has provided the country with just what it needed at the time. And the city continues its role as a launching pad for brave new ideas and future growth. Nowhere is that more evident than in places like the Ennovation Center, an entrepreneurial incubator where a fiercely independent and creative work ethic is blazing new trails in industries from business technology and healthcare to food services and bringing a whole new generation of innovators to the area.
The light radiates brightly today from the city that has shined the way for so many over the years. Current and future developments from the Cable Dahmer Arena and the Independence Farmer’s Market at our beautiful Independence Uptown Market to a vibrant retail scene and the new development along the Little Blue Parkway corridor stand as beacons for those aspiring to write their own next chapters.
From our nation’s history to your own family history, there’s a great story waiting to unfold and be told in Independence.
About our logo and City Seal
The City Logo
The Independence flame is a symbolic beacon that stands for Independence. It’s a place where anyone should be inspired to pursue their dreams in personal or professional endeavors. It is a respectful nod to the "Eternal Flame of Freedom" dedicated to the memory of President Harry S. Truman and on display at the Truman Library and Museum. The Independence flame consists of three strokes, representative of the historic Santa Fe Trail, Oregon Trail, and California Trail whose origins began in Independence, and yet another example of pursuing A Great American Dream. The blue was chosen to provide the City of Independence with a corporate and professional tone. The red was chosen for its obvious pairing with American patriotism. The red and blue along with the rest of the recommended palette were chosen to represent a sense of permanence by keeping the color variations more jewel tone in nature and not overly bright.
The City Seal
The City of Independence Seal includes a covered wagon and mules in honor of our role as the Queen City of the Trails. And while Independence has changed in many ways from the days of the trails, this symbol of our history is no less important. Covered wagons rarely grace our streets and mules are not kept by every household, but this is still a gathering place and a jumping-off point for many families. Our heritage can never be taken away, nor should it be forgotten. For this reason, the primary use of the City Seal is to reflect on and recognize our community’s historical importance. These instances include proclamations, special recognitions, or declarations where it is important to document the occasion.