Kansas City in Platte County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Heart of the Nation
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 19, 2010
1. Heart of the Nation Marker
In the middle, but never on the fence. That’s Kansas City. Located near the true geographic and population centers of the country, Kansas City truly sits at the heart of the nation. And, throughout history, that position on the map has meant both good times and bad times for our town.
During the Civil War, factions from both sides divided families and farms in Missouri and Kansas, erupting in skirmishes up and down the state line. One of the most infamous events of the war took place in Lawrence, Kansas, in 1863, where 150 Union-sympathizing residents were killed by a band of Confederate guerrillas. The guerrillas led by William Clarke Quantrill, included Frank James, Jesse’s brother.
Today, the cannon smoke has cleared and Kansas City is reaping the benefits of bi-state cooperation. Residents on both sides of the state line join together regularly for the common good of the metro area. The most recent effort was raising the funds and support to renovate Union Station as a dining and entertainment destination, as well as raising the funds to renovate the Liberty Memorial, the country’s only memorial to World War I.
Erected by Kansas City International Airport. (Marker Number C11.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. City of Fountains (within shouting distance of this marker); Sweet Tooth (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shoe Parties (about 600 feet away); The Stockyards (about 600 feet away); One of KC's Oldest (about 700 feet away); All That Jazz (about 700 feet away); Lewis and Clark (about 800 feet away); The Pony Express (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.
More about this marker. The Economy Parking Lots' passenger kiosks each have unique historical markers and flashy artwork to help passengers remember where they parked.
Also see . . . History of Kansas City. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 8, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 19, 2010
2. Heart of the Nation Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., December 19, 2010
3. Heart of the Nation Marker Artwork
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr.
4. Economy Parking Lot C Entrance
Credits. This page was last revised on June 13, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 505 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on June 7, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
