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Stanton, Missouri: Jesse James Wax Museum

RoadsideAmerica.com Team Field Report

Address:
North Service Rd W., Stanton, MO
Directions:
I-44 exit 230, southeast side.
Hours:
Summer daily 9-6. Spring and Fall weekends only 9-5. Winter closed. (Call to verify) Local health policies may affect hours and access.
Phone:
573-927-5233
RA Rates:
Major Fun
Save to My Sights

Jesse James Wax Museum.

Jesse James Wax Museum

Jesse James wasn't really shot to death in 1882 -- he died of old age in 1951. Be damned, DNA evidence... we want the truth! Parking lot sign is a good roadside photo-op.

Roadsideamerica.com Report... [01/20/2013]
Jesse James Museum

A stop on Roadside America's 7-day Los Angeles to New York Hypertour. Jesse James wasn't really shot to death in 1881 -- he died of old age in 1952!

Roadsideamerica.com Report...

Visitor Tips and News About Jesse James Wax Museum

Reports and tips from RoadsideAmerica.com visitors and Roadside America mobile tipsters. Some tips may not be verified. Submit your own tip.

June 12, 1922 - Birthday of Francena Turilli, Jesse James Did't Die Expert.

Jesse James Wax Museum: Birth of Francena Turilli, June 12, 1922

Francena B. Dill Turilli was born 100 years ago, on June 12, 1922. We met her in Stanton, Missouri in the 1990s, where for 20 years she had been carrying on the work of her late husband, Rudy, at the Jesse James Wax Museum. It's a unique place, built on the Turilli family belief that Wild West outlaw Jesse James -- in the guise of "J. Frank Dalton" -- lived to be nearly 104, and was put on exhibit by Rudy mere months before he finally died. Exhibits in the museum recount this story, but they lack some of the charm they had when Francena led the tour, enthusiastically pointing out the amazing similarity between Jesse and J. Frank's ears. Although Francena died in 2003, the ear photos live on in the museum, evidence to all who can handle hearing the truth.

[RoadsideAmerica.com Team, 06/12/2022]

Bedridden Jesse gives an interview.

Jesse James Wax Museum

It's a very small museum but interesting nonetheless. They said it would take 45 minutes, but I got through there with my 7 and 9 year old in about 20 minutes.

[Jonikb, 07/06/2014]
Jesse James Museum

Appears to be out of business. Was told owner retired.

There is an interesting place by KOA around the corner. Shop has chain saw carvings. Watch for train caboose in yard.

[Jim Smoot, 09/24/2010]

The museum is not out of business. It's only open on weekends after August, and is closed during the winter months.


Nearby Offbeat Places

Riverside Wildlife and Reptile CenterRiverside Wildlife and Reptile Center, Stanton, MO - < 1 mi.
Meramec CavernsMeramec Caverns, Stanton, MO - 2 mi.
Hot and Cold Water TowersHot and Cold Water Towers, St. Clair, MO - 9 mi.
In the region:
Stubby Stonehenge, Rolla, MO - 42 mi.

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