Westport in Kansas City I

Westport in Kansas City began as a Trading Post around 1821. Francois Chauteau’s original Trading Post on present day Grand Avenue was relocated to higher ground after the flood of 1826.Westport was incorporated in 1827. In 1897, Westport was annexed into Kansas City.

Kelly’s was the last place for wagon trains to load up on supplies before continuing on into Indian Territory along the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 designated all land West of the Missouri River as Indian Territory. No towns or trading posts were allowed beyond the line. Kelly’s @ 500 Westport Rd. was built in 1850 and is the oldest surviving brick structure in Westport.

Daniel Boone’s grandson, Albert Gallatin Boone, owned the building for 5 years; he sold it to Jim Bridger; later, the Weidenmans ran it as the Westport Inn; the present owners are Pat and Kyle Kelly. Kelly’s is on the National Historic Registry. Joe’s Pizza and the rooftop deck are recent additions enjoyed by Kansas Citians today.

McCoy's is across the street, on the NE corner of Westport Road and Pennsylvania. John Calvin McCoy is known as the founder/father of Kansas City.

The sculpture by artist Tom Beard, at 40^th & Broadway, depicts early Westport settlers and entrepreneurs Jim Bridger (Mountain Man), Alexander Majors (Pony Express), and John Calvin McCoy.

In 1904, Mario's @ 204 Westport Rd, was a horse shoeing business with stables below and human living quarters above. Today Mario's serves up the unique Grinder sandwiches we all love.

Westport Presbyterian Church @ 201 Westport Rd. was built in 1835 as Cumberland Presbyterian Church in the Town of Westport. Alex Majors and John McCoy were both elders in the church.

Some homes are used as business space - other homes are just for living.

History buffs can follow the signs for a self-guided tour of Westport. During the Civil War, 30,000 men from Union and Confederate forces participated in the Battle of Westport. If you see that many people in Westport today, it's probably just Friday night.

There are no people in these photographs because it was an hour before lunchtime and 100 degrees in the shade!

Realtor Maria Morton -816-560-3758- Leading Edge Society 2010...♪♫ ....Zillow rating

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...*Information obtained from Heartland MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. **This is an eclectic blog combining a little business with pleasure; please consult a licensed professional before making life altering decisions. Maria Morton, Realtor©, SRES is a Kansas City Real Estate Agent licensed in MO & KS and affiliated with Prudential Kansas City Realty 816.410.5499.o Maria Morton Copyright © 2011 *Westport in Kansas City*