How to Use the Images

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Photo 3: Courthouse Square, Independence, Missouri, 1909.

Photo 3 shows the Independence town square and the Jackson County Courthouse. It was here that Harry Truman began his political career as a county judge.

Questions for Photo 3

1. List three facts about life in Independence in the early 20th century that you can determine by looking at the photograph. Where was Truman living when this photo was taken?

2. Why was the Jackson County courthouse located in Independence? When did Harry Truman work in the courthouse? (You may want to refer back to the readings and Map 2 key.)

3. What types of cases are heard at a county courthouse? What other type of work is conducted at a county courthouse? (Refer to Reading 2 for additional information).

* The photo on this screen has a resolution of 72 dots per inch (dpi), and therefore will print poorly. You can obtain a larger version of Photo 3, but be aware that the file will take as much as 30 seconds to load with a 28.8K modem.