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Learn the History of Kansas City, Missouri

Last Updated: August 30, 2022

Learn the History of Kansas City, Missouri

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The Things You Will Learn About Kansas City

The History of Kansas City, MO

One of the many fun Kansas City facts is that the city has been known by many different names. John McCoy, a missionary and land surveyor, founded the city of Westport Landing in 1838. Historians dubbed McCoy "the Father of Kansas City."

Shortly thereafter, merchants and investors arrived in Westport Landing and changed the name to the Town of Kansas. When the Civil War broke out, the Town of Kansas, Missouri belonged to the Union, but the bordering state of Kansas belonged to the Confederacy. At least two major battles were fought in the Kansas City area.

Kansas City, Missouri, did not receive its current name until 1889. The construction of bridges over the Missouri River led to a great expansion. By the turn of the century, Kansas City grew to a population of 163 thousand residents, making it the 22nd largest city in the United States.

Fun Facts about Kansas City:

  • Kansas City was known only as "Kansas" until 1889
  • Major Civil War battles took place around Kansas City
  • Kansas City is Missouri's largest city by both population and area

Kansas City's Legacy

The early part of the twentieth century brought Kansas City national recognition for several reasons. Kansas City became known as an island of American culture and earned the nickname "the Paris of the Plains." This came about thanks to the city's relative economic stability during the Great depression, its burgeoning jazz scene, and the popularity of baseball.

The city's economic success during a global depression can be attributed to the mayor, Tom Pendergast. Kansas City became known during his time as "Tom's Town," and Tom funded many grand construction projects to keep people employed and attract newcomers to the city. His name also became synonymous with corruption, as he made many backdoor deals with government money.

Jazz clubs opened around the city at this time around 18th Street and Vine. Many notable jazz musicians played in Kansas City. Jazz legend Charlie Parker was a native of Kansas City and attended Lincoln High School before dropping out to devote his life to jazz.

This area around 18th Street and Vine became known for baseball, as well. The segregated neighborhood was home to Blues Stadium of the Negro National League. The Kansas City Monarchs lasted from 1920 to 1965, the longest run of any franchise in the league.

Things to Do in Kansas City

There are plenty of things to do in Kansas City. Whatever your hobbies or interests, the city has something to offer. From great museums to shopping, excellent cuisine, live music, and Kansas City Royals games, you will have no shortage of options.

Here's a quick list of just some of the things you can check out in Kansas City!

Check Out the Local Museums

No tour of Kansas City is complete without a visit to one of its many wonderful museums. If you're a fan of jazz, check out the American Jazz Museum. The museum is located in the historic neighborhood where Kansas City Jazz flourished in the 1930s.

Kansas City is also home to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Get some history and learn some Kansas City fun facts, or appreciate some world-class art.

Photo of the Kansas City Negro League Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum
By Richard from kansas city, united states - Flickr, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=351707

Check Out the Shopping at Country Club Plaza

Kansas City residents and tourists love to shop and enjoy the scenery at Country Club Plaza. There are plenty of boutiques and local shops to peruse. You'll love the magnificent Spanish architecture.

Don't forget to check out fun local spots like Made in Kansas City!

Check Out a Royals Game

The Kansas City Royals play their home games at one of the most popular and beloved baseball stadiums in the country. Enjoy a beautiful afternoon or evening at Kauffman Stadium and cheer on the 2015 World Series Champs. Kaufmann Stadium was recently voted MLB fans' 5th favorite Major League ballpark.

Photo of Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City
By Chibears85 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=99715623

Check Out Kansas City's Heritage

If you want to see something historic and beautiful, look no further than Union Station. Built in 1914, the station still serves as an active railway stop for Amtrak. It also houses plenty of nice restaurants and entertainment venues.

You can't miss the gorgeous architecture and design of Grand Hall at Union Station.

Why We Love Being A Part of Kansas City

Kansas City, MO is dear to our hearts at Discount Dumpster. The history of Kansas City and the many things to do are all on our list of why we love this great city. The people of Kansas City prove time and time again they are warm, hospitable, and hardworking Americans.

Kansas City is part of what makes this country great. Whether we're walking in the Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden, shopping at the River Market farmers' market on weekends, or eating delicious barbecue, we know there will always be something that brings us back to Kansas City.

Discount Dumpster is proud to serve the great city of Kansas City, MO. The history of Kansas City inspires us every day, and we hope to continue doing our part in keeping our streets and neighborhoods clean for many years to come. We thank the people of Kansas City for their business!

About Julian Drury

Julian Drury is a Content Specialist with Discount Dumpster, with a good array of knowledge on waste management topics. He has been writing since he was 10, and makes it his mission to present engaging and informational content for all readers who need waste management solutions.

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