Explore Nearby Museums
 Updated: 12/12/2011 
Bushwhacker Museum & Jail
Nevada, Missouri
Description

The Bushwhacker Museum and Historic Jail tell the history of Vernon County, MO. The museum features both rotating and permanent exhibits about topics such as the Missouri-Kansas Border War, Civil War, pioneer settlement, rural America, the U.S. military, etc. Tours of the vintage 1860 Bushwhacker Jail show the history of the late nineteenth century outlaw period.

The reference library and archives contain probate records and other resources for researchers and genealogists.

Mission

To memorialize and preserve the history of Vernon County, Missouri.

History

The Vernon County Historical Society was organized in 1938. The historical society purchased and restored the old Vernon County jail in 1965. The old jail served as the Bushwhacker Museum until the mid-1990s when the museum moved into the lower level of the Finis M. Moss Building on the courthouse square in Nevada, MO. Today, paid tours of both facilities explain the history of Vernon County and the Missouri-Kansas border region.

Artifact Collections

The museum houses many thousands of artifacts related to Vernon County history from the late eighteenth to mid-twentieth centuries. Collections include military uniforms and weapons, Native American tools, natural history, agricultural implements, nineteenth century clothing, etc.

Research Collections

Our archives include thousands of probate records formerly housed in the Vernon County courthouse. These records include wills, bills of sale, and other property records which are invaluable to genealogists. The museum also has a reference library which houses many popular historical works about the Civil War and Border War between Missouri and Kansas.

Governance

A board of directors oversees the museum and jail house and is elected annually.

Library

Access: General Public, Scholars, Members

Appointment required: True

Services
Gift Shop
Online Gift Shop
Event Rental
Group Tours
Address
212 W. Walnut St
Nevada, MO 64772
phone: 417-667-9602
e-mail: bushwhackerjail@sbcglobal.net
home page: www.bushwhacker.org
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Hours of Operation

Open for tours May through October, Wednesday-Saturday from 10:00AM-4:00PM. Research library is open by appointment year around.

Admission
Museum Type(s)
General
History
Historical Society
Military
Staff
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