Harry S. Truman Birthplace State Historic Site

In the small town of Lamar, Missouri, in the southwestern corner of the state, you will find the Harry S. Truman State Historic Site. It preserves the small frame home of John and Martha Truman, parents of the only Missourian to ever be elected president of the United States. Harry was born May 8, 1884, in the downstairs bedroom of the modest home. It is still in a residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets.

The future president only lived in the house until he was 11 months old, however, he was still living and present when the historic site was dedicated on April 19, 1959. I have always felt an affinity with Truman, whom most historians consider to have been an excellent president. Perhaps that is because I too was born in Missouri, and Truman is the first president that I can remember as a young boy.

Tours are available at the birthplace home, and a visitor center and gift shop is located in another small white house across the street. In addition to the 20X28-foot house, visitors may also see the well, outhouse and smokehouse located in the back. The home, typical of most homes in the late 1800s, has neighter electricity nor indoor plumbing. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Harry S. Truman was known for his country mannerisms and down-to-earth sensibility. He was was a self-educated man and the last person ever elected president of the United States who did not have a college degree. Those are some of the reasons that I hold his memory in high regard.