Kansas City Real Estate
Before Kansas City was a city, Westport was the center for commerce trading. Once a thriving town through which the California, Oregon and Santa Fe trails passed, Westport marked the passage into the great western frontier and set the precedence for what is today a thriving entertainment and shopping district. This historical legacy allows visitors to travel back in time to the days of mountain men, wagon trains, and Civil War battles. Discover one of Kansas City's historical treasures.
Kansas City is forged by a rich history. The city was founded on the banks of the Missouri River and formally incorporated in 1850.
Kansas City, situated within 250 miles of both the population and geographic centers of the country, is often called “the Heart of America.” But throughout its history the city has been known by a number of other names as well. In its early days the settlement-turned-town-then-city earned a number of nicknames, including “Possumtrot,” “the Town of Kansas,” “Chouteau’s Town,” “Westport Landing” and “Kawsmouth.” The name “Kansas City” first came into use in the late 1800s and reflects the name of the Native American Kansa tribe who once lived in the region.
The city of Kansas City is well known for its jazz history. Some of the greatest jazz players in all of history got their start in the clubs of Kansas City. World-class musicians such as William "Count" Basie, Charlie "Bird" Parker, and Orin "Hot Lips" Page, among many others, came together to create a sound the town can call its own. "It's a blues-based, swing style of jazz," said Mary Ellen Farney, past president of the Kansas City Jazz Ambassadors.
Jazz, as a musical genre, was born out of a marriage of down-home blues and ragtime just after the turn of the century. While New Orleans was the birthplace of jazz, America's music grew up in Kansas City.
By the time the Roaring '20s rolled around, jazz had emerged as America's favorite dance music. In retrospect, it seems only natural that people were lovingly loosening up and moving to the beat of this hot, new set of pulsating rhythms. World War I had ended, jobs were plentiful, and times were good. Around the rest of the country, Prohibition (enacted 1919, repealed 1933) effectively ended the activity at traditional nightclubs and dance halls. But in Kansas City, mob boss Tom Pendergast, known as "Boss Tom," controlled the police, the politics, and essentially the entire town. So much so that, here, even at the height of Prohibition, liquor flowed freely, and gamblers and musicians played most of the day and all of the night at "private" clubs. This made Kansas City a national jazz mecca.
When it comes to lip-smackin', finger-lickin', chin-dribblin', literally rib-stickin' barbecue, Kansas City holds its own. The Carolinas can rightfully claim to be the cradle of American barbecue and Texas is by far the brisket capital of the world. But Kansas City brings it all together with more than 90 barbecue joints - from little bitty eateries to full-blown, nothing-but-barbecue restaurants.
The crack of a bat and the smooth melodies of a tenor sax bring back memories of what was once the heart of Kansas City culture. Known throughout the world as trademarks of Kansas City, Negro Leagues Baseball and jazz music have been rekindled into brilliant reality with a massive revitalization of Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine district.
The Museums at 18th & Vine celebrate their grand opening on September 5, 1997 in the area where baseball, jazz, and good times reigned as part of Kansas City's cultural life. The City of Kansas City, Missouri launched a $24 million project to pay tribute to the historical development of jazz and Negro Leagues Baseball. With the opening of the museums, Kansas Citians and visitors have the opportunity to get a first hand look at some of the greatest legends of jazz and baseball such as Charlie Parker, Count Basie, Lester Young, George and Julia Lee, Satchel Paige, James "Cool Papa" Bell, and Josh Gibson. This "who's who" of early jazz and baseball legends is highlighted in brilliant sight and sound with a dynamic look at Kansas City history.
Newest Kansas City Real Estate Properties
$69,900
Lot102 River Hills , Parkville
ONE-OF-A-KIND wooded lot in River Hills Estates! Come see this HUGE lot perfect for walk-out home. Seller is a builder, or bring your own builder to construct your dream ...
- Beds –
- Baths –
$675,000
1306 N 118 , Kansas City
Potential Commercial Property Fantastic location just west of Kansas Speedway. Prime spot located in a progressive area.
- Beds –
- Baths –
$150,000
1268 Granada & 1272 , Raymore
Two 2-bedroom 2-bath 2car-garage duplex in excellent condition. Good income. Good tenants. Good area.
- Beds –
- Baths –
$239,900
745 N Allen , Independence
Well maintained and updated home nestled in tranquil 7.7 acre retreat. New in the last few years include 30x24 detached workshop w/ elec,2 car stalls, concrete floor, lan...
- Beds 3
- Baths 3.0
$595,000
434 W Navajo , Lake Quivira
Complete Remodel Thruout! Cozy Kitchen w/Granite Island/Bar, Ceramic Tile, Wlk-in Pntry, High-End Appls, Adj Hrth Rm w/Stone FP, Fml Liv Rm, Fml Din Rm, Large Mstr Ste w...
- Beds 5
- Baths 3.5
$595,000
434 W Navajo , Lake Quivira
Complete Remodel! High-end Finish Work Throughout-Cozy eat-in kitchen w/granite island/bar, wlk-in pantry, subway tile, high-end appliances, adjoining hearth rm w/stone f...
- Beds 3
- Baths 2.5
$176,950
15620 W 124Th , Olathe
Space, Space, and more Space in this Cozy Home on a private Cul-De-Sac. 4 Bed, 2.5 Bth with Family Rm, Great Rm and Den/Study. Eat-In Kitchen with lots of storage with ...
- Beds 4
- Baths 2.5
$224,500
322 Sycamore , Raymore
Award Winning Richard Mather Builders. The "Bradford" offers 4 br, 2.5 BA with Euro Shower. 2 Lg. Walk-In Closets, Master Br offers built-ins and a sitting area with a d...
- Beds 4
- Baths 2.5
$384,950
5831 Charlotte , Shawnee
Granite Falls proudly welcomes Summit Custom Homes & their unique Green Build Advantage! Fall in love w/the Cotton Creek V Plan- 5 bedroom 2 story home that is situated o...
- Beds 5
- Baths 4.0
$150,000
5319 Highland , Kansas City
First (1st) of 5 NEW HOMES to come in PHASE ll of THE WOODLAND ESTATES DEVELOPMENT. This homes has beautiful stone fireplace, hardwood floors in the living room. Large ...
- Beds 3
- Baths 2.5
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