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Before It Became History | Independence, Missouri: Where America's Westward Trails Began

Before thousands of pioneers headed west, they gathered in Independence, Missouri—the primary starting point for the Oregon, California, and Santa Fe Trails. Discover how one frontier town became the launching point for America's westward expansion.

Before It Became History, a podcast series from the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute, explores the people and moments that shaped the American story. Each episode looks beyond the legend to examine the decisions, conflicts, and ideas that tested the promise of liberty and helped define our democracy.

This is history before it hardened into memory —…

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