Old Westport in Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
John Calvin McCoy
1811-1889
Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015
1. John Calvin McCoy Marker
Historians have called McCoy “the father of Kansas City”. In 1833 he platted a town around the trading post he built on lot No. 1 (northeast corner of Westport Road and Pennsylvania). Calling it “West Port,” Missouri, he became the first postmaster in 1834. In 1839, as a member of the Town Company which bought 257 acres at Westport’s landing of the Missouri River, he platted the Town of Kansas, Missouri (now Kansas City). McCoy, a surveyor, came west with his father, Isaac McCoy, a Baptist Indian Missionary who was commissioned to mark boundaries of the land for Indian tribes being moved from the east. McCoy also surveyed Cantonment Leavenworth, and in 1854, the Town of Leavenworth, Kansas. But always, he was realtor and builder. McCoy 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 1833.
Location. 39° 3.219′ N, 94° 35.436′ 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
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James Bridger (here, next to this marker); Alexander Majors (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. John Calvin McCoy Marker
The McCoy 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 McCoy marker is in the center.
Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015
3. John Calvin McCoy Marker
The Statue of the three Westport pioneers: Majors, McCoy, and Bridger.
Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015
4. John Calvin McCoy 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 439 times since then and 21 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.
