Kelly's Westport Inn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Kelly's Westport Inn
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Kelly's and the adjoining Chouteau Store are considered to be the oldest buildings still standing in Kansas City.
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| Location | 500–504 Westport Road, Kansas City, MO |
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| Built | 1850 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000718 |
| Added to NRHP | September 7, 1972 |
Kelly's Westport Inn is a very old and famous building in Westport, Kansas City, Missouri. It was built around 1850. Many people know it as a popular place where friends and families gather. It's considered one of the oldest buildings still standing in Kansas City!
Contents
A Look Back: Kelly's Westport Inn's Story
Early Days and Famous Connections
The building where Kelly's Westport Inn stands today was built around 1850. For a while, a grocery store operated there. This store was run by Albert Gallatin Boone, who was the grandson of the famous explorer Daniel Boone.
The Tunnel Mystery
For many years, there was a popular story about a secret tunnel under Kelly's Westport Inn. Some people believed this tunnel connected to a stable nearby. The story said it was part of the Underground Railroad, a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom.
However, Kyle Kelly, one of the current owners, has said he doesn't believe the tunnel ever existed. He mentioned that the basement is "interesting" and might look like a tunnel, but it likely isn't one. Official paperwork from 1969, when the building was registered as historic, also confirms that any tunnels only connected two basements and were not linked to the Underground Railroad.
From Grocery to Gathering Place
Around the year 1900, the Wiedenmann family ran a grocery store in the building. This store was known for serving many important families in Kansas City.
Later, after a time called Prohibition ended (when selling alcohol was illegal in the United States), the building became a public house. It was first called the Wrestlers Inn. A few years later, Randal Kelly, who was from Ireland, started working there as a bartender. He soon became a partner in the business.
The place became very popular, especially during Saint Patrick's Day celebrations. It continues to be a well-loved spot for people to visit and enjoy today.
A Historic Landmark
In 1959, Kelly's Westport Inn was officially recognized as a national historic landmark. This means it's an important building with a special history that should be protected.
Inspiration for a TV Show
In 1996, a comedian from Kansas City named Eddie Griffin used Kelly's Westport Inn as his inspiration. He based the setting of his TV show, Malcolm & Eddie, on the famous building. The show starred Eddie Griffin and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
