Westport, Kansas City, Missouri facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Westport
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Neighborhood
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Wagon trail replica in Westport
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| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| County | Jackson |
| Website | https://westportkcmo.com/ |
Westport is a cool, historic neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri. It's also a popular place for fun and entertainment today.
Back in the early 1800s, a group led by Reverend Isaac McCoy started the settlement. His son, John Calvin McCoy, helped plan the area. To help Westport grow, John McCoy built a road north to the Missouri River. This spot became known as Westport's Landing. It soon joined with another settlement called Kansas, which later became Kansas City.
Westport became a major starting point for people traveling west on famous trails. It also saw some tough times during the American Civil War, especially during the Battle of Westport in 1864. After the war, trains became more popular than wagons, and Westport became a quieter town. Kansas City grew bigger and eventually included Westport in 1897. Today, you can still visit historic spots like Kelly's Westport Inn, which is the oldest building still standing in Kansas City.
Contents
The Early Days of Westport
Westport was first settled in 1831 by Reverend Isaac McCoy and his family. It's about three miles south of where downtown Kansas City, Missouri is now. McCoy built a large log house on a hill. His son, John Calvin McCoy, built a two-story home and a trading post nearby.
In 1851, the Ewing Brothers built a store. This store later became Kelly's Westport Inn, which is the oldest building still standing in Kansas City. Daniel Boone's grandson, Albert G. Boone, bought the store. He used it to supply travelers heading west.
Who Founded Westport?
John McCoy was a trained surveyor. He planned out Westport and officially made it a town in 1857. Many people call him the "father of Kansas City." He chose a rocky spot on the Missouri River for supplies to be delivered. This spot became Westport's Landing.
When Westport's Landing became busy, John McCoy and other investors bought the land. This land included the landing and other areas. They formed a company called the Town of Kansas. Westport traded with Native American tribes and people traveling to the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.
Westport's Role in Westward Expansion
By 1850, Westport and Kansas together became more important than Independence, Missouri. They were the main starting points for traders and settlers heading west. People used the Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail from here. Westport was most successful between 1854 and 1860.
The American Civil War caused many small fights in the area. The big Battle of Westport happened in October 1864. After the war, trade slowed down a lot and never fully recovered. By 1899, Kansas City officially took over Westport.
Union Cemetery: A Place of History
In 1849, a serious illness called cholera spread. It sadly took the lives of many people in Westport and Kansas. This filled up their cemeteries. So, they looked for a new cemetery halfway between the two towns.
On November 9, 1857, Union Cemetery opened. It is the oldest cemetery still around in Kansas City today. It was meant to bring the two communities together forever.
Nutterville: Restoring Old Homes
The Nutterville area, located east of Broadway Street, has a special history. James B. Nutter Sr. helped make sure that the old homes there were fixed up. They were turned into business offices. These houses are now brightly painted and have lovely gardens.
