kids encyclopedia robot

Blue River (Missouri River tributary) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Blue River
Byrams-ford-blue.jpg
Blue River at Byram's Ford where the Battle of Byram's Ford (a skirmish of the Battle of Westport) was fought by Swope Park
Kc-rivers.png
Blue River in the Kansas City metropolitan area
Other name(s) Big Blue River
Country United States
State Kansas, Missouri
City Kansas City
Physical characteristics
Main source East Johnson County, Kansas, United States
725 ft (221 m)
38°48′31″N 094°40′50″W / 38.80861°N 94.68056°W / 38.80861; -94.68056
River mouth Missouri River
Kansas City, Missouri, United States
221 ft (67 m)
39°07′48″N 094°28′15″W / 39.13000°N 94.47083°W / 39.13000; -94.47083
Length 39 mi (63 km), Northeast
Basin features
River system Missouri River
Tributaries

The Blue River is a stream that flows for about 39.8 miles (64 km). It runs through Johnson County, Kansas, and Jackson County, Missouri. This area is part of the larger Kansas City area. The river starts in Johnson County, near the border of Kansas and Missouri. It then flows through Kansas City, Missouri, and finally joins the Missouri River. This meeting point is close to the border between Kansas City and Independence, Missouri.

The Blue River has several smaller streams that flow into it. These are called tributaries. Its main tributaries include Brush Creek, Tomahawk Creek, and Indian Creek.

Discovering the Blue River

The Blue River offers many fun things to do outdoors. You can find miles of trails along its banks. These trails are great for hiking, biking, and walking.

Trails and Old Railroads

Some parts of these trails follow an old steam railroad track. This track used to belong to the Missouri Pacific Railroad. It ran from Dodson, Missouri, south to Martin City, Missouri. The old rail line followed the Blue River closely. It had many curves because of the river's path.

In 1954, the railroad line was made straighter. Workers built three tall bridges over the Blue River. They also made a big cut through the land. This improved line is now used by the Union Pacific and KC Southern railroads. It generally runs next to the Blue River.

History of the Blue River

The Blue River has a rich history. It has been important to people for a very long time.

Ancient Mounds and Early Settlers

High above where the Blue River meets the Missouri River, there is a large Native American mound. This special place is known as Indian Mound Park. It is located in the Indian Mound neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. These mounds show that Native Americans lived here many years ago.

Later, three famous western trails crossed the Blue River. These were the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California trails. They crossed the river just north of Red Bridge Road and Minor Park. A well-known mountain man and fur trapper named Jim Bridger had a trading post at this spot. This was a place where travelers could trade goods.

The Blue River in the Civil War

During the American Civil War, the Blue River was a battleground. The Battle of Byram's Ford took place here. This battle was part of the larger Battle of Westport. It was an important event in the history of the region.

kids search engine
Blue River (Missouri River tributary) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.