Friends of the James Farm
The Friends of the James Farm (FOTJF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the James Farm Historical Site—the birthplace of Jesse James—owned and operated by Clay County, Missouri.
Our mission is to support, preserve, and share the history of the James Farm and its remarkable place in American folklore. Through public programs, educational events, and community engagement, we help visitors understand the life and times of Jesse James, his family, and his associates.
We also encourage the study and appreciation of the broader historical context that shaped their lives, including:
The history of the 1800s
The Civil War and the Missouri Border War
The post-war activities of Jesse and Frank James
The Friends of the James Farm exist to keep this history alive—ensuring that future generations can explore, question, and connect with one of the most colorful and complex periods in American history.
The James Farm Journal
The James Farm Journal is the Friends of the James Farm newsletter, created to keep members and supporters in the loop on what’s happening at the Jesse James Birthplace and Museum in Kearney, Missouri. It covers Farm updates, preservation projects, fundraising efforts, upcoming events, and occasional deep dives into Jesse James history, blending practical news with storytelling to keep the Farm’s past and present connected.
James Gang Rye is Here!
In the turbulent years after the Civil War, the James Gang carved their names into American folklore—brothers, rebels, and gunslingers who rode hard and struck fast. From Liberty, Missouri to Northfield, Minnesota, they robbed banks and trains with a boldness that turned headlines into legend. But they weren’t just outlaws—they were outcasts forged in fire, loyal to their own and feared by the rest.
Made in collaboration with West Bottoms Whiskey Co. and the Friends of the James Farm, James Gang Rye channels the dust and defiance of a bygone age. Bottled at 100 proof, it opens with smooth sweetness, incorporating notes of spice, caramel, and oak, before finishing with a slow-burning heat that settles deep. It’s whiskey with history in its bones and rebellion in its finish.
As a part of this collaboration, West Bottoms Whiskey Co. has generously agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from every purchased bottle of James Gang Rye to the Friends of the James Farm to support our ongoing mission.
James Gang Rye is available at West Bottoms Whiskey's distillery or at retailers throughout Kansas City, including Hy-Vee, Price Chopper, Mass Beverage, and Bubbles Wine & Spirits. If it's not on your local shelf, ask your retailer to order it through Pinnacle Imports.
Upcoming Events
Be sure to check out our Events page for a list of upcoming events. These range from gun shoots, special talks and lectures, get-togethers, and more.
