Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center | Virginia Beach

Information

Landmark: Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
City: Virginia Beach
Country: USA Virginia
Continent: North America

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Beach, USA Virginia, North America

The Jesse James Bank Museum is located in the city of Kansas City, Missouri, USA. It is the site of the first daylight bank robbery committed by the James-Younger Gang.

Visual Characteristics

The building is a two-story brick structure with a rectangular footprint. The facade features arched windows on the ground floor and rectangular windows on the second story. The original brickwork is visible, and the building has a simple, functional design typical of late 19th-century commercial architecture.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 105 South Main Street in Liberty, Missouri, a suburb approximately 15 miles north of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Access from Kansas City is primarily via Interstate 35 North, exiting onto MO-152 East, then turning south onto Main Street. Parking is available on-street in front of the museum and in nearby public lots. The nearest public transport is the Greater Kansas City Transit (KCATA) bus system, with routes serving the Liberty area; specific route numbers and schedules should be verified with KCATA.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building was constructed in 1856 and originally served as the Liberty Savings Bank. It is historically significant as the location of the February 13, 1866, robbery by the James-Younger Gang, which resulted in the death of a bank employee and the theft of approximately $60,000. The building has been preserved and restored to reflect its appearance during the time of the robbery.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the preserved bank interior, including the original vault. Exhibits detail the history of the bank, the James-Younger Gang, and the robbery itself. Informational displays provide context on the post-Civil War era in Missouri. Guided tours are offered, providing in-depth historical accounts.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shade is provided by the building's overhang. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available in the area. Food vendors and restaurants are located within walking distance in the Liberty town square.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open year-round. Weekday mornings typically have lower visitor numbers. The best time of day for exterior photography is mid-morning or late afternoon when sunlight illuminates the facade without harsh shadows. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

A local legend states that the robbers, after their escape, buried a portion of the stolen money in the vicinity, though no significant caches have ever been definitively recovered. The robbery was notable for being the first daylight bank heist in American history.