Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Liberty Memorial
The Liberty Memorial, one of Kansas City’s most recognizable landmarks, is the only major memorial in the United States dedicated to World War I.
In late 1919, when American spirit was at its peak following “the war to end all wars,” Kansas City decided to honor its war dead with a tremendous parade through downtown. The event also kicked off an intense drive to raise money for the memorial. A design contest was held, and locals were encouraged to participate in even more fundraising through their organizations, churches, schools and neighborhoods. Within a week, over two million dollars had been donated to the cause.
The winner of the design contest, H. Van Buren Magonigle, created a 200-foot shaft that, in the words of the architect, “represented an altar raised high in the sky, with its flame of inspiration ever burning.” Groundbreaking for the memorial took place in November 1921, though a political dispute put the project on hold for three years. Finally, construction on the site began in 1924. President Calvin Coolidge dedicated the Liberty Memorial on Armistice Day, November 11, 1926.
Today, the Liberty Memorial once again proudly welcomes visitors after being closed to the public for nearly eight years. The structure has been restored to its original glory, and, with the support of Kansas Citians, it will stand forever as a testament to a city’s indomitable spirit.
Erected by Kansas City International Airport. (Marker Number B2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • War, World I. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #30 Calvin Coolidge series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1921.
Location. 39° 18.94′ N, 94° 42.218′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Platte County. Marker is at Passenger Kiosk B2, in Economy Parking Lot B, at Kansas City International Airport, 601 Brasilia Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kansas City MO 64153, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Happy Trails (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tribal Heritage (about 300 feet away); Hale: The Firepole (about 400 feet away); Atkins Gift (about 500 feet away); The Country Club Plaza (about 600 feet away); Home of BBQ (about 700 feet away); KC: On Flight (about 800 feet away); KC's Baseball Story (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.
More about this memorial. The Economy Parking Lots' passenger kiosks each have unique historical markers and flashy artwork to help passengers remember where they parked.
Also see . . .
1. The National World War I Museum and Memorial. Memorial website homepage (Submitted on June 6, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. The Liberty Memorial. Historic American Buildings Survey website entry (Submitted on June 6, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. An Architectural History of the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri 1918-1935. Memorial website homepage (Submitted on June 6, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on June 18, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 546 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 6, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5, 6. submitted on September 6, 2015.