Local Legends: Kansas City
Kansas City and its surrounding towns have had many famous residents over the years, and several local attractions feature their stories. Here are just a few:
Alexander Majors
Alexander Majors, along with William Russell and William Waddell, founded the Pony Express. They promised 10-day mail delivery between St. Joseph, MO, and Sacramento, CA, using a route more direct than competitors’ and mounted riders instead of traditional stagecoaches.
In business for only 18 months in 1860 and 1861, the Pony Express went bankrupt, largely due to the emergence of the railroad and telegraph.
Built in 1856 on a 300-acre farm, Majors’ antebellum house was by a dirt path that is now State Line Road. The house survived the Civil War and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can tour the home, filled with period furnishings, and stroll through the gardens, blacksmith shop and barn. Special events are scheduled throughout the year.
The Alexander Majors House & Barn 8201 State Line Rd. Kansas City, MO 64114 816.444.1858
Amelia Earhart
Born in Atchison, KS, in 1897, Amelia Earhart took a plane ride in her early 20s that sparked her decision to learn to fly. She later became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean and the first person to fly solo over both the Atlantic and Pacific. She had several other notable flights and record-breaking feats in her career.
In 1937, Earhart and her navigator, Fred Noonan, vanished while attempting to fly around the world. The mystery of their fate has sparked numerous theories and speculation.
Visitors can tour Earhart’s birthplace and childhood home, which has been returned to its turn-of-the-century condition and features an abundance of personal and family memorabilia. It is a National Historic Site.
The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum 223 N. Terrace St. Atchison, KS 66002 913.367.4217
Harry S. Truman
The 33rd U.S. president was born in Lamar, MO, moved to Grandview and Independence as a child, lived in Kansas City as an adult, and moved back to Independence after his presidency.
Truman’s various jobs included timekeeper for a railroad construction contractor, bank clerk and a farmer before being elected as a Jackson County judge. In 1934, Truman was elected to the U.S. Senate, then went on to become vice-president and president.
After retiring to Independence, he took an active role in founding and running the Harry S. Truman Library. It features his preserved desk, hands-on displays and special exhibits and events throughout the year.
Also located in Independence is the Truman home, which features thousands of artifacts and a glimpse into the personal lives of the Trumans.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum 500 W. US Hwy. 24 Independence, MO 64050 816.268.8200 Truman Home 219 Delaware St. Independence, MO 64050 816.254.9929
Jesse James
Notorious outlaw Jesse James was born in 1847 in Kearney, MO. He and his brother Frank served in the Confederate Army before starting their criminal careers as bank and train robbers. The brothers led a notorious gang that was responsible for dozens of robberies and murders.
In Kearney, visitors can tour the restored childhood home of James, watch a short film, view a large collection of family artifacts and see James’ original gravesite.
Jesse James was shot and killed at his St. Joseph home in 1882. That house is located around the corner from the Patee House Museum, which served as headquarters for the Pony Express.
The Jesse James Bank, located on the historic square in Liberty, MO, was the site of the nation’s first successful daylight peacetime bank robbery.
Jesse James Farm & Museum 21216 James Farm Rd Kearney, MO 64060 816.736.8500 The Jesse James Bank 103 N. Water Liberty, MO 64068 816.736.8510 Jesse James Home Museum 1202 Penn St. St. Joseph, MO 64503 816.232.8206
African American Legends
The American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum share the same building in the 18th & Vine district.
The NLBM was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to preserving the history of African-American baseball from the mid-1800s to the 1960s, the time when players were segregated. The museum has hundreds of artifacts and photographs, film exhibits, statues and a museum store.
The AJM showcases the history of jazz music with interactive displays, short films, artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can learn about jazz greats and a history of the famous 18th & Vine district, view album art and more.
American Jazz Museum/Negro Leagues Baseball Museum 1616 E. 18th St. Kansas City, MO 64108 816.474.8463 (AJM) 816.221.1920 (NLBM)
Tisha Foley and her family live in Belton, where local legend Carrie Nation is buried.