Parson Stops in Kearney During Bicentennial Tour

Governor Mike Parson’s second stop on his state-wide Bicentennial Tour was at the Jesse James Birthplace and Museum in Kearney. The Bicentennial Tour has planned stops at historical sites and in communities across Missouri from July to Missouri Statehood Day on August 10, 2021.

Governor Parson traveled to Kearney with First Lady Teresa to visit the James Farm cabin on Thursday afternoon

Governor Parson traveled to Kearney with First Lady Teresa to visit the James Farm cabin on Thursday afternoon. This was the Parsons’ first visit to the historic site.

Governor Parson talked about Missouri history and the 150th anniversary of the Governor’s Mansion with the crowd at the original James cabin. He related an event when Frank James finally turned himself in to Governor Thomas T. Crittenden at the Governor’s mansion in Jefferson City, six months after Jesse was killed. Parson also shared that the Governor’s Mansion hosted its first official visitor, General George Armstrong Custer who stayed over in 1872 on his way out West.

Parson then took a moment to say how important the bicentennial is to Missourians.

“It really gives us an opportunity to showcase who we are as Missourians, what we’ve been through, what we’ve done, and really tells the story of who we are,” he said from the porch of the James cabin. “I think the values we grow up in, the hard work ethic, Christian values, and all those things are on showcase in Missouri every day.”

The Governor also promoted bicentennial activities in September highlighting the parade, the evening ball, bicentennial quilt, and the display of championship trophies from the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, and St. Louis Blues.

Parson concluded his speech by promoting Missouri tourism: “A lot of times you’ll sit with your family around the table thinking ‘where do I need to go on vacation’. And most of the time you’ll be thinking of a destination outside of Missouri. It’s a good time to be taking vacations in Missouri, especially on the bicentennial year.”

KPGZ News - Brian Watts and Mike Davis contributed to this story