Old Westport in Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Alexander Majors

1814-1900

Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015

1. Alexander Majors Marker

Inscription.
Majors, “the great freighter,” was born in Kentucky. He entered the freighting business in 1848. He became managing partner of Russell, Majors and Waddell in 1854 with offices in Westport. The wagon trains moved enormous tonnage on the western trails to U.S. forts. The firm employed 4,000 men, had 3,000 wagons, 40,000 oxen and 1,000 mules. Among their far-flung enterprises were the famous Pony Express and the overland stagecoach lines to Denver and Salt Lake City both major factors in the opening of the West. His restored home and freighting office at 8201 State Line Road is an 1856 historic landmark. Majors is buried in Union Cemetery.

Erected 1987 by Native Sons, Kansas City, Missouri and the Westport Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.

Location. 39° 3.219′ N, 94° 35.437′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County. It is in Old Westport. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway Boulevard and Westport Road, in the median on Broadway Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kansas City MO 64111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Calvin McCoy (here, next to this marker); James Bridger

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(here, next to this marker); Three Trails West (a few steps from this marker); West Port, Missouri (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of Harris House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Action Before Westport (about 300 feet away); The Albert G. Boone Store (about 400 feet away); The French and the Santa Fe Trail (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.

Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015

2. Alexander Majors Marker

The Majors marker is one of three markers placed in front of a statue in Pioneer Park. The three plaques are for: Majors, John Calvin McCoy, and James Bridger. The Majors marker is on the left.

Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015

3. Alexander Majors Marker

The Statue of the three Westport pioneers: Majors, McCoy, and Bridger.

Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015

4. Alexander Majors Marker

View as you approach Pioneer Park from the south.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2015, by Michael W. Kruse of Kansas City, Missouri. This page has been viewed 403 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 17, 2015, by Michael W. Kruse of Kansas City, Missouri. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.