Liberty in Clay County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Interurban Railroad - Withers Station
— [Westboro-Canterbury Greenway Trail] —
This trail follows the original route of the Kansas City, Clay County and St. Joseph railroad through Westboro-Canterbury Park. The "Interurban" provided commuter and freight service to this area beginning January 21, 1913.
Located just east of this marker, Withers Station provided a modest wooden shelter for waiting passengers. After crossing Withers Road, the Interurban continued on toward modern day City Park, past Fairview Cemetery, and through downtown, with a stop on Mill Street and Leonard. It then exited Liberty near William Jewell College and continued on to Excelsior Springs.
Various features along this trail provide evidence of this once active rail system.
Approximately 300 yards southwest of this marker, a “cut” was graded through a hill to provide the flat road bed required for the trains. Remnants of a stone retaining wall are visible in that area. One hundred yards west of Park Lane, a concrete footing can be seen that once supported overhead lines that powered the Interurban’s electric motors. Continuing another 50 yards, the trail crosses a steel reinforced concrete bridge that enabled trains to cross the stream at that location.
The Interurban rail system ushered in the era of suburban living for Liberty residents by making it practical to work and shop in Kansas City. In the late 1920s improved roads and affordable automobiles led to a rapid decline in ridership. The Interurban made its final run to Liberty on March 10, 1933.
Erected 2024.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 39° 13.975′ N, 94° 26.226′ W. Marker is in Liberty, Missouri, in Clay County. Marker is on South Withers Road, 0.1 miles south of Owens Drive, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1010 S Withers Rd, Liberty MO 64068, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Interurban Railway Bridge (approx. 0.4 miles away); General Alexander William Doniphan (approx. one mile away); Confederate Soldiers (approx. one mile away); Col. John Thornton (approx. one mile away); Lucy A. Ward Love (approx. one mile away); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Liberty Spring (approx. 1.2 miles away); Lewis and Clark Mural (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Liberty.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2024, by Tony Meyers of Liberty, Missouri. This page has been viewed 44 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2024, by Tony Meyers of Liberty, Missouri. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.