CIVIL WAR WEDNESDAYS At the 1855 Harris-Kearney House

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Although the Harris Kearney House Museum is closed through 2024, if you wish to attend a Civil War Wednesday talk, or visit with Civil War historians, tour what was once the headquarters of union officers, and view artifacts from the battle, please visit https://battleofwestport.org/ or send an email to the Director of the Battle of Westport Organization, Dan Smith at dansmithesq@yahoo.com.

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The 1855 Harris-Kearney House is Kansas City's oldest remaining brick residence and is a Nationally Designated Historic Site on the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails in Westport. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Kansas City Register of Historic Places, the Greek Revival mansion was constructed in 1855 by Col. John and Henrietta Harris, early area settlers from Kentucky.

 

The Mansion House, as it was first labeled by the community, stands prominently on the Battle of Westport Civil War Battlefield. In the fall of 1861, the Harris home was used as headquarters for Union officers, and following, in October of 1864, some of the Harris grandchildren witnessed the Battle of Westport raging around them from the mansion's second floor windows. Later the children saw their grandparents’ Harris House Hotel used as a field hospital.

 

The Mansion House has been restored to its 1855 appearance and shares with visitors the tragic days of the Battle of Westport and the people who lived, worked, and gave their lives for our country.

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