Clay County Apartments for Rent

Ever wonder about that old argument, “nature or nurture?” Is it a person’s environment or his genetic makeup that causes him to become a criminal? Clay County, Missouri allows visitors some insight into the question with tours through the home of famous outlaws Frank and Jesse James.

Jesse James, son of a Baptist minister, was born in this home in 1847. At 16, he followed his older brother Frank into the Civil War. When the war ended, Jesse returned home and began the life of an outlaw. His boldness as a thief and the publicity he garnered from the media soon made “Jesse James” a household name.

The museum displays James family artifacts including Jesse’s boots and Frank’s surrender letter. Guests can view the artifacts and walk along the creek where Frank and Jesse spent much of their time.

Clay County, Missouri has a population of 221,939. The county was organized in 1822 and was named in honor of Henry Clay, US Representative from Kentucky, later Senator and US Secretary of State.

The county was settled primarily by migrants from Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. They brought slaves with them and began to cultivate crops they knew, primarily hemp and tobacco. Hence the area became known as “Little Dixie;” residents generally supported the Confederacy during the Civil War.

Clay County is part of the Kansas City metro area. Its county seat is Liberty. The county has a total area of 408.86 square miles, and is bordered by Ray County to the east, Jackson to the south, Wyandotte County, Kansas to the southwest and Platte County to the west. The median income for a household in the county was $48,347. Men searching for a wife will find the odds in their favor; for every 100 females 18 and over, there are only 91.80 males.

For those looking for outdoor recreation, the outlook is also good; Smithville Lake, with its 7,200 acres, features more than 175 miles of shoreline. Located just 20 miles from downtown Kansas City, the lake offers two swim beaches, 777 campsites, two full-service marinas including boat rentals, a dockside restaurant, two public 18-hole golf courses within the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex and 25 miles of walking/biking trails.