After several trips to “Kansas City” in my lifetime, I finally got to see the true Kansas City, Kansas. Yes, there is a difference between the Missouri & Kansas version of the city and after having visited Kansas City, KS, I highly recommend you take a trip, stepping back in time to learn about the rich history of the area. The Kansas City History is fascinating and worth the time to explore!
Kaw Point Park – A Tribute to Lewis & Clark
First up in the tour of Kansas City History is Kaw Point Park in Kansas City, KS and enjoy this area where the Kansas and Missouri Rivers meet and learn about the landing of the Lewis & Clark exploration company. Stop and get to know one of the interpreters.
They will share about the visit to the area and the trials the visitors faced (make sure to ask about the dog that joined their party). Enjoy the trails, the amphitheater sharing stories of the journey, and the walk of flags which share the flags of all the Native american tribes in the area.
Huron Indian Cemetery
Next, head to the Huron Indian Cemetery in downtown Kansas City, KS and learn about the Wyandot tribe. Family members of the natives will share stories of their ancestors. Explore this Indian cemetery and learn about the different tribes, along with the trials and tribulations of being moved around thanks to the white man. In fact, 10 different clans were dropped in this area by ship and only 5 remain today.
This cemetery is not only home to the Indians, but also many Civil War soldiers who were passing through on their way to Fort Leavenworth for medical care when they landed here and ended up dying and being buried in mass graves!
There are many stories their ancestors have to share about their determination and strength! My favorite story is of the Connely sisters built a shack to protect their cemetery. The white people wanted to destroy it and the sisters stayed in that shack until it became protected by the government. In fact, the fight for the land continued into the 1990’s. The tenacity of these people is what has allowed them to survive for so many years. The tribes still hold celebrations each Labor Day weekend to celebration and give thanks!
Quindaro Ruins Archaeological Park
Next in Kansas City History is the Quindaro Ruins! Enjoy this look out area and learn about the history of the Quidnaro Town site. This town was formed when a black family was adopted by members of the Wyandot tribe when they escaped slavery in Missouri! This area then became an important stop on the Underground Railroad for the area! It was also a community of growth and progress! However, after changes in US economics, the community died and only ruins are left today! During the Civil War, Missouri was a slave state, but Kansas was a free state. Quindaro would be a site for slaves to escape to! Now, you can enjoy the lookout pavilion as well as the trails that lead to the ruins of the town!
Finally, stop by the nearby museum to learn more about this community. Here, learn about the people who lived in the community, and their contributions to society!
Follow up this visit by one to The Quindaro Underground Railroad Museum! This small, but very educational museum shares the history of the Underground Railroad with it’s visitors! Enjoy the progression of slavery in the area as well as more contributions to society by it’s members!
Culturally Rich
Kansas City, KS is much more culturally rich than one would ever imagine! One would assume that a Midwest state rooted in agricultural would not be as diverse as it really is! However, take some time to explore the area and you’ll find that this isn’t true! Kansas City History is fascinating! Enjoy learning about many aspects that have formed Kansas City to what it is today!
Thank you to Kansas City Tourism & Visitors Bureau for hosting me on this trip and sharing Kansas City History with me! All thoughts and opinions are 100% authentic to me! For more details, please see the Disclosure Tab!
Learn more about my trip to Kansas City Here:
Tuck in at the Homewood Suites in Kansas City, Kansas
So many great places to visit! I’m loving learning about your Kansas City, Kansas trip.
It was a great trip with places that I probably wouldn’t have picked on my own, but thoroughly enjoyed!!
We’ve never spent time in Kansas City so it’s fun to see all the places you got to visit. Thanks for sharing what you learned at these places!
These were all new to me, even though I’ve been to KC a few times, so it was lots of fun! Thanks for stopping by!
This is a great highlight. I am headed there in October and in search of historical stops. Thanks for the tips.
Awesome! You’ll have a great time!! Thanks for stopping by!
You have had so many fun travels lately! 🙂 Love reading about them!
We have had some really great travels! I’m glad you’ve enjoyed them! Thanks for stopping by!
I’m like you, I’ve been to Kansas City many times but never to Kansas City, Kansas. Great post on the history!
Thanks so much! It’s quite interesting!!