Truman birthplace gets second shot at park status

LAMAR — Legislation that would start the process for adding Harry Truman's birthplace in Lamar to the Harry S Truman National Historic Site will take a second trip through Congress.

U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton said he will reintroduce a request for a feasibility study for the birthplace. The House approved a similar bill last year but it was stopped in the Senate.

Skelton, D-Mo., says the bill would both honor the only U.S. president from Missouri and provide economic aid to Barton County by increasing tourism and national prestige.

The National Park Service already owns and manages Truman's last home in Independence and his farm in Grandview. The birthplace already attracts more than 17,000 visitors annually.