Hawthorne 40 Shopping Center - SEC E US 40 Highway and S. Noland Road - Independence, MO. Independence is known for the Truman Library & Museum, with exhibits detailing the life and career of the former U.S. president and hometown hero. At the Frontier Trails Museum, artifacts and wagon tours illustrate the pioneer era, while the nearby Community of Christ Temple has a visitors center tracing the area's Mormon heritage. There are a number of casual restaurants serving Italian and American comfort food.