Why is Kansas City in Missouri?

The origin of modern-day Kansas City, Missouri, dates back to the 1830s when John McCoy founded the settlement of Westport and established a riverboat landing close to the Missouri River. This location served as a catalyst for development.

The city was initially named the City of Kansas in 1853, before Kansas even became a state. It derived its name from the Kansas River, which was named after the Native Americans of the Kaw Nation (Kanza people). The city was later renamed Kansas City in 1889, and John McCoy’s Westport settlement was annexed in 1897.

Kansas City, Kansas (KCK)

In 1872, several small towns developing in Wyandotte County incorporated to form Kansas City, Kansas. They named the town after the City of Kansas in Missouri to capitalize on and benefit from the growth happening on the Missouri side.

Kansas politicians even attempted to annex the Missouri side of Kansas City into their state, but Kansas City, Missouri, remained a part of Missouri.

What’s in a Name?

For Missouri and Kansas, the shared name of Kansas City represents the pride both states share for the city, regardless of which side of the state line it’s located on.

Additional Facts about Kansas City, Missouri:

Kansas City is known for its BBQ, with more BBQ restaurants per capita than any other city in the US.
It is home to the largest rail center in North America, featuring over 32 miles of track.
The city has a rich jazz history, with famous jazz musicians like Charlie Parker and Count Basie having played in its jazz clubs.
Kansas City has more fountains than any city in the world, except for Rome.
The city boasts a unique hybrid of cultures, with a strong Mexican-American and African-American presence, reflected in its food, art, and music scenes.
Kansas City hosts the American Royal, one of the largest and oldest livestock and horse shows in the United States.
It is a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship, with a thriving startup scene and resources like Google Fiber and the Kauffman Foundation.
Union Station in Kansas City is not just a transportation hub but also a popular tourist destination, featuring a science center, planetarium, and a large-scale model train exhibit.