South Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Alexander Majors
Freighter and Trader
Photographed By Jason Voigt, May 26, 2022
1. Alexander Majors Marker
Inscription.
Alexander Majors (1814-1900) was one of the greatest of the overland freighters and traders of the nineteenth century. He first got started in the overland trade in 1848 by taking a few wagons down the Santa Fe Trail. From this small start, Majors was awarded contracts by 1853 to supply some military posts in the West. The next years he teamed up with William Waddell and William Russell, and the huge freighting company of Russell, Majors, and Waddell was born. He built the Majors House at 83rd and State Line Road that still stands., The firm's 1860-61 Pony Express operation led to bankruptcy. Majors returned to the life of a small independent freighter. He died in Chicago and is buried in Kansas City's Union Cemetery.
Alexander Majors (1814-1900) was one of the greatest of the overland freighters and traders of the nineteenth century. He first got started in the overland trade in 1848 by taking a few wagons down the Santa Fe Trail. From this small start, Majors was awarded contracts by 1853 to supply some military posts in the West. The next years he teamed up with William Waddell and William Russell, and the huge freighting company of Russell, Majors, and Waddell was born. He built the Majors House at 83rd and State Line Road that still stands.
The firm's 1860-61 Pony Express operation led to bankruptcy. Majors returned to the life of a small independent freighter. He died in Chicago and is buried in Kansas City's Union Cemetery.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 38° 55.53′ N, 94° 34.401′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County. It is in South Kansas City. Marker is on East Red Bridge Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1406 E Red Bridge Rd, Kansas City MO 64131, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jim Bridger (a few steps from this marker); Kit Carson (within shouting distance of this marker); Hiram Young
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 6, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
