Pendleton Heights in Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Independence Boulevard
1915
Independence Avenue was given its name because it extended from the central business district of Kansas City to Independence. In 1893, the Board of Park Commissioners selected a portion of Independence Avenue to become the first boulevard in the Kansas Parks and Boulevards System. Independence Avenue at that time featured some of the finest residences in the city, including those of civic leaders August Meyer and Robert Gilham.
The park board acquired and completed the portion of Independence Avenue between Woodland and Gladstone Avenues in 1895. The portion of roadway between Gladstone Avenue and Benton Boulevard was acquired in 1896, and the portion between Woodland and Dykington Avenues was acquired in 1897. Both sections were finished in 1899. When completed, Independence Boulevard totaled 0.96 miles from Woodland Avenue to Benton Boulevard.
By 1914 many of the largest residences originally lining Independence Boulevard had disappeared. The boulevard had begun to resemble its current character, a commercial thoroughfare carrying heavier traffic than the other boulevards in the parks and boulevards system.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 39° 6.385′ N, 94° 33.07′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County. It is in Pendleton Heights. Marker is at the intersection of Independence Avenue (U.S. 24) and Prospect Avenue, on the right when traveling west on Independence Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kansas City MO 64124, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Independence Boulevard (approx. 0.2 miles away); Scarritt Point Neighborhood (approx. ¼ mile away); Founders of Children's Mercy Hospital (approx. half a mile away); Gladstone Boulevard Bridge over Anderson Avenue (approx. half a mile away); The Rebirth of Twelfth and Vine (approx. 0.8 miles away); Goin' to Kansas City Plaza (approx. 0.8 miles away); Scarritt Point (approx. 0.8 miles away); Garrison Field House (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.
Also see . . . Kansas City Parks & Boulevard System. (Submitted on March 25, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 24, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 336 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 25, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.