Now the largest city in Missouri, Kansas City was originally founded in 1838 as a small town. Kansas City took shape in 1850, and several of these historical homes are still standing. Tour the historic homes of Kansas City and discover the history of the American frontier. Streets that were once "Rolling Meadows" and "Prairie Villages" hide history in unexpected places.
Alexander Majors Historical House
Alexander Majors was once known as the best freighter in the West, but is most famous for giving William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody of American folklore his first paid position. Majors and his father built their frontier home in Kansas City in 1856, while Majors was still young. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home was restored in 1984 and features original hardwood floors, millwork and furnishings. Today, visitors to the 3,400 square foot antebellum home can learn about Majors, Buffalo Bill Cody and the Pony Express, rent out the Majors' barn or view blacksmithing demonstrations, wagons, carriages and other artifacts from the mid-1800s.
Alexander Majors Historical House
8201 State Line Road
Kansas City, MO 64114
816-333-5556
alexandermajors.com
John Wornall House Museum
In 1858, Kentucky native John Wornall built a home in Kansas City in Greek Revival style. The home has since been accurately restored to the period, the authenticity of its lavish furnishings revealing why it was once called "the most pretentious house in the section." The house originally sat on the Missouri frontier, but it is now a part of the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City. The museum offers group tours, school tours, Girl Scout, Boy Scout and Camp Fire troop tours during the day, as well as ghost tours at night. Tours include educational information on the Wornall family as well as the history of the home, including the slaves that serviced the Wornall House and the unique position of the home during the Civil War.
John Wornall House Museum
6115 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64113
816-444-1858
wornallhouse.org
Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site
Thomas Hart Benton was a famous painter, sculptor, lecturer and writer who moved to Kansas City in 1935. The Benton home has remained in excellent condition since the artist died in 1975, and includes several of the artist's works. The half of the home which Benton had converted into an art studio remains in original condition as well. The State Historic Site offers tours of the Benton Home as well as the studio, Benton's place of death.
Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site
3616 Belleview
Kansas City, MO 64111
816-931-5722
mostateparks.com
