The Westport Historical Society...

celebrates and commemorates the 19th Century when Americans journeyed West to chase their dream. Many chose the town of Westport as the point where they "jumped off" onto the trails and into the great American Wilderness.

Westport, in the heart of Kansas City, is a small village that is filled with legend and history. The Westport Historical Society celebrates the lively history of Westport and its first citizens. We welcome you to visit us and step back in time to an earlier day when Westport and the Town of Kansas were on the nation's frontier.

More than 150 years ago, thousands of adventurers from all walks of life came to Westport to explore and seek their fortunes along the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails. Mountain men and preachers walked the lanes and streets of Westport, drawn here by the mystique of the West. The village of Westport flourished with a cosmopolitan flavor as merchants outfitted wagon trains headed to the Spanish and Mexican settlements. Everyday, more and more people began their westward journey in Westport and as the town grew, the foundation for Kansas City was laid.

Today, Westport is a thriving community where people live and shop in many of Westport's original buildings. Although the reason why people flood to Westport has changed in the past 150 years, the energy and vitality of the district remain the same!

The Westport Historical Society actively preserves the unique moment in history of the great Westward Migration by sharing the stories of how Kansas City began and by educating the greater Kansas City community of Westport's role in the shaping of the society in America.

The Society also researches the Battle of Westport, the largest Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi. We are partnered with the Monnett Battle of Westport Fund in its efforts to restore and preserve the Westport Battlefields.

We invite you to bring research ideas to us. As a member, you have access to our resources and contacts! History students of all ages, school districts, history buffs and Westport's residents are all encouraged to make the Historical Society their favorite resource.