Crossword Genius

Missouri town gained by America in 1783 (12)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

independence

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'missouri town' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'america in 1783' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'in' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'dependence' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'gained by' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for independence that I've seen before include "Freedom from outside control" , "lack of bias" , "Freedom from another's authority" , "Autonomy" , "Self-reliance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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