Battle of Westport Memorials –Tour (4000 Baltimore Ave, KCMO. 816.561.1821)
The Civil War Battle of Westport was fought Oct. 21-23, 1864. The center of the main battlefield is located at present-day Loose Park. The memorial is at the southern end of Loose Park, along West 55th Street. A Battle of Westport driving tour starts in Westport at Kelly's Westport Inn, the oldest standing building in Kansas City. It consists of a series of placards, one at each stop, giving both a detailed history of what occurred there and directions to the next stop. Stops along the self-guided tour include the Wornall House, which served as a hospital during the battle, and Forest Hill Cemetery.
Forest Hill Cemetery – 6901 Troost Ave. KCMO. 816.523.2114
This historic cemetery is the burial site for many Civil War Veterans of Kansas City.
*Korean War Veterans Memorial Kansas City Missouri – Pershing & Main in Washington Park, KCMO *The Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department donated land for the construction of the memorial. It will be funded by private donations and is presently under construction.
Korean War Veterans Memorial Overland Park – 119th St. & Lowell, OPKS
The KWVA Memorial features an engraved wall honoring the fallen and missing soldiers of the Korean War. The rock piles on the site were erected to represent Korea's battlefields.
Korean/Vietnam Veterans Memorial – 91st & Leavenworth Rd at the entrance to Wyandotte County Lake. 913.596.7077 America's 1st dual war memorial is dedicated to veterans of both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Leavenworth National Cemetery – Leavenworth, KS. 913.758.4105
This historic cemetery is the burial site for many soldiers beginning with the Civil War. In 1919, a monument was erected in memory of “Soldiers Who Died for Their Country.” The American Veterans donated a carillon to the cemetery in 2000.
National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial - 100 W 26th St. KCMO 816.784.1918.
The National World War I Museum houses one of the greatest collections of World War I artifacts anywhere in the world. The new exhibits showcase interactive technology to bring history to life. Officially designated as the National World War I Museum by the 108th Congress, the facility is the only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the history of World War I. Admission charged, active military and children under 6 are free. Open 10am-5pm Tues-Sun.
Rosedale Memorial Arch - 35th Street & Booth, KCKS. 913.677.5097 Inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe, the Rosedale Memorial Arch was built in 1923 to pay tribute to America's World War I veterans. In 1993, a monument was installed under the Arch to honor World War II, Korea and Vietnam veterans.
Union Cemetery – 227 E. 28th Terrace, KCMO. 816.472.4990 This historic cemetery was the first official cemetery for Westport and Kansas City. During the Civil War, many soldiers were buried at Union Cemetery.
Veterans Memorial Park – 1025 S. Harrison, Olathe, KS. 913.971.6263 This four-acre park honors the men and women who served America in the Armed Services. The park features a walking trail, and memorial bricks, tiles, and benches honoring veterans.
Veterans Park – Center & Pawnee in Gardner, KS. 913.856.7535 The park features a Veteran’s memorial as well as park facilities: playground, trail, basketball court, etc.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial - 43rd & Broadway KCMO. 816.561.8387 Dedicated in 1986 to all Vietnam veterans, with a special salute to veterans from the Kansas City area, it includes a wall with the names of 336 area veterans killed or missing in action.
Historic Sites and Museums: These historic sites and museums feature the history surrounding our Armed Forces and the wars in which they fought for American freedom.
Berlin Wall Monument – Grove of Regiments on Bundel Rd. at Fort Leavenworth. 800.844.4114
Actual three piece Berlin wall memorial at Ft. Leavenworth. The monument memorializes the historic barrier that separated West and East Berlin during the Cold War. After the destruction of the wall in 1989, sections were given to President Reagan. Three of these sections were donated to Ft. Leavenworth because of the worldwide influence of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Frontier Army Museum – 100 Reynolds Ave. Ft. Leavenworth, KS. 913.684.3767.
Fort Leavenworth is the oldest active Army post west of the Mississippi. The Frontier Army Museum features the history of the Frontier Army from 1804 to1916 and Fort Leavenworth from 1827 to the present. The museum is free and open to the public. 9am-4pm M-F, 10am-4pm Sat, closed Sun and Federal Holidays.
National WWI Museum at Liberty Memorial - 100 W 26th St. KCMO 816.784.1918. The National World War I Museum houses one of the greatest collections of World War I artifacts anywhere in the world. The new exhibits showcase interactive technology to bring history to life. Officially designated as the National World War I Museum by the 108th Congress, the facility is the only American museum solely dedicated to preserving the history of World War I. Admission charged, active military and children under 6 are free. Open 10am-5pm Tues-Sun.
Old Olathe Naval Air Museum – Overland Park Place & New Century Pkwy Olathe, KS. 913.768.1153.
The Old Olathe Naval Air Museum houses artifacts and memorabilia of those who worked in the WWII Naval Air Base in Olathe, as well as Korean and Vietnam War memorabilia. Open noon-4pm Sundays (April – October).
Truman Presidential Library and Museum – 500 W. US Hwy 24, Independence, MO. 816.268.8200
The Presidential Library tells the history of President Truman and his years of service. Special Exhibits include the Truman’s World War I military gear and artifacts from the Korean War and World War II. Admission charged. Open Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm (special hours 9am-9pm Thurs. May-Sept). Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.