John Calvin McCoy facts for kids
John Calvin McCoy (born September 28, 1811 – died September 2, 1889) is known as the "father of Kansas City." He helped start and grow this important city.
John McCoy was born in Vincennes, Indiana. He went to Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky, around 1826-1827. In 1830, he moved to the Kansas City area with his parents, Isaac and Christiana McCoy. They were there for missionary work.
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Starting Westport: A Hub for Travelers
In 1833, John McCoy built a two-story cabin. It was located where 444 Westport Road is today. He opened a store there for people traveling west.
This store was a stop for pioneers. They were using the famous Santa Fe and Oregon trails. McCoy named the area Westport. It was the last town before travelers went into the Kansas Territory.
Westport Landing and Kansas City's Birth
McCoy's store was about four miles from the Missouri River. He needed a way for goods to reach his store. So, he set up a dock at a rocky spot on the river. This spot became known as Westport Landing. He created a path to it, which later became Broadway.
This natural dock became very popular. But the land around it belonged to a farmer named Gabriel Prudhomme. After Prudhomme passed away in 1831, his land was sold. In 1838, McCoy and 13 other people bought the property together.
Their group called itself the "Town of Kansas." This name came from a French phrase, chez les Canses. It meant "home of the Kansa" Native American people. In 1853, the state of Missouri officially recognized the town. It was called the "City of Kansas." Later, it became known as Kansas City.
John McCoy's Family Life
John McCoy married Virginia Christiana Chick on January 23, 1838. She was the daughter of William Miles Chick and Ann Eliza Smith. John and Virginia had several children together.
Remembering John McCoy
Today, you can find a statue of John McCoy in Pioneer Park. This park is located at Westport and Broadway in Kansas City. The statue also shows other important pioneers, Alexander Majors and Jim Bridger. Thomas L. Beard created this sculpture.
John McCoy was buried in Union Cemetery.
