Westport, Kansas City
| Westport | |
| Neighborhood | |
 Wagon Trail Replica in Westport
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| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Missouri |
| County | Jackson |
| Municipality | Kansas City |
| Coordinates | 39°3′12″N 94°35′31″W / 39.05333°N 94.59194°W |
| Website: http://www.westportkcmo.com/ | |
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Westport is a historic neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri, USA. Originally its own town, it was annexed by Kansas City in 1897. Today, it is one of Kansas City's main entertainment districts.
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[edit] Background
Westport was first settled by Reverend Isaac McCoy and his family in 1831. It was located approximately 3 miles due south of the present day location of downtown, Kansas City, Missouri. It was platted three years later, and formally incorporated in February 1857. Isaac's son John Calvin McCoy is generally considered the "father of Kansas City" after he formally founded the town and then got his supplies from a rocky point on the Missouri River between Grand and Main Street that became known as "Westport's Landing." When the landing became popular young McCoy and other residents banded together to form the "Town of Kansas" company to buy the land. Westport's Indian trade extended to the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains. By 1850 Westport, together with Kansas City, displaced Independence, Missouri as an outfitting and starting point for traders, trappers, and emigrants heading west on the Santa Fe Trail and Oregon Trail. The town's greatest prosperity came 1854 to 1860. During the Civil War, there were many skirmishes between pro- and anti-slavery groups in the area, and the Civil War's Battle of Westport was fought there in October 1864. Trade fell off sharply during the Civil War and never recovered. Fast-growing Kansas City had the railroads, and annexed Westport in 1899.
[edit] Today
Today, Westport is known as one of Kansas City's main centers of entertainment and nightlife. The neighborhood is home to a number of restaurants and bars, including Kelly's Westport Inn, an Irish-themed bar located in the oldest building still remaining in Kansas City. Kelly's inspired the main set of Malcolm & Eddie, a TV sitcom starring Eddie Griffin and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. Westport has a lively music scene, with several venues for live musical entertainment. An eclectic variety of independently owned shops have something for everyone, whether you prefer contemporary sophistication or traditional style. Specialty shops for unique gifts and treasures you won't find anywhere else in the city are all available right here in Westport. Westport also has a culinary choice for every palate. Choose from casual deli menus to contemporary American cuisine to exciting ethnic dishes. When the sun goes down, Westport comes alive as one of Kansas City's premier entertainment districts. Local favorites and nationally touring bands choose Westport venues when they bring their shows to KC. There really is something for everyone in Westport.
[edit] Gallery
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Kansas City Pioneer Square monument in Westport features Alexander Majors, John Calvin McCoy and Jim Bridger.
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French heritage marker about the Santa Fe Trail placed by the Chouteau Society.
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Kelly's, at 500 Westport Road, and Chouteau's Store, at 504 Westport, are the oldest buildings standing in Kansas City.
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Westport Road in Westport.
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Westport Square on Pennsylvania Street in Westport.
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Restaurants in Westport.
[edit] See also
- California Trail, Oregon Trail
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Jackson County, Missouri
- List of neighborhoods in Kansas City, Missouri
- Westport High School
[edit] External links
- Westport's official website
- Westport Historical Society
- Notebooks of James Gillespie Hamilton (a Westport merchant), from the Library of Congress website
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