Old Westport in Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
McCoy's Trading Post
Photographed By Thomas Onions, July 12, 2009
1. McCoy Trading Post Marker
Near this point John McCoy built a log trading post in 1833 which launched the settlement of Westport, with the town becoming the westernmost point of American civilization. From Westport, the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails reached out as tentacles of the nation's growth, extending to the Pacific Coast and into Mexico. Westport's streets, shops and hotels bustled with traders, trappers, missionaries, Indians and gold prospectors forging west. Kit Carson, Jim Bridger and John Sutter were among those of Westport who earned a place in history.
Across the street north was Harris House, a hotel whose roof was used as an observation post in 1864 by General Samuel Curtis during the Battle of Westport as his Union forces engaged Confederate troops commanded by General Sterling Price.
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Grant
Erected by The Westport Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the California Trail, the Oregon Trail, and the Santa Fe Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1833.
Location. 39° 3.158′ N, 94° 35.491′ W. Marker is in Kansas
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The French and the Santa Fe Trail (here, next to this marker); The Albert G. Boone Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of Harris House (within shouting distance of this marker); Action Before Westport (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Trails West (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alexander Majors (about 400 feet away); John Calvin McCoy (about 500 feet away); James Bridger (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.
More about this marker. Marker is on the west side of the building. Westport is an entertainment district and parking is at a premium on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also see . . .
1. Westport Historical Society. This is the link to the group responsible for the marker. (Submitted on July 24, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
2. Santa Fe Historical Trail. Take a journey between western Missouri and Santa Fe on the Santa Fe National Historic
Photographed By Thomas Onions, July 12, 2009
2. McCoy Trading Post Marker
Area shot of the marker
3. Legends of America. History, Information, Maps, etc., of the Santa Fe Trail. (Submitted on July 24, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
4. Map of Oregon Trail. (Submitted on July 24, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
5. Mileposts Along the Oregon Trail. (Submitted on July 24, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
6. Oregon National Historical Trail. (Submitted on July 24, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
7. California National HistoricalTrail. This is the National Park Service Link on the California Trail (Submitted on July 24, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
Additional keywords. Santa Fe Trail Oregon Trail California Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 24, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. This page has been viewed 2,044 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 24, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
