Old Westport in Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

James Bridger

1804-1881

Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015

1. James Bridger Marker

Inscription.
Jim Bridger was one of the most famous of the mountain men. He was an Indian fighter fur trapper and trader, guide to the Far West, U.S. Army Scout and explorer. He discovered the South Pass through the Rockies in 1827, the Great Salt Lake in 1834, and founded Fort Bridger in 1843. Bridger National Forest was named in his honor. In 1855 he bought a large farm near the old community of Dallas at 103 & State Line. Then in 1866 he bought Chouteau’s store at 504 Westport Road, which is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Westport. He died at age 77. Bridger’s final resting place is in Mount Washington Cemetery.

Erected 1987 by Native Sons, Kansas City, Missouri and the Westport Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1827.

Location. 39° 3.22′ N, 94° 35.435′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County. It is in Old Westport. Marker is at the intersection of Broadway Boulevard and Westport Road, in the median on Broadway Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kansas City MO 64111, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Calvin McCoy (here, next to this marker); Alexander Majors

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(here, next to this marker); Three Trails West (a few steps from this marker); West Port, Missouri (within shouting distance of this marker); Original Site of Harris House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Action Before Westport (about 300 feet away); The Albert G. Boone Store (about 400 feet away); The French and the Santa Fe Trail (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.

Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015

2. James Bridger Marker

The Statue of the three Westport pioneers: Majors, McCoy, and Bridger.

Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015

3. James Bridger Marker

The Bridger marker is one of three markers placed in front of a statue in Pioneer Park. The three plaques are for: Majors, John Calvin McCoy, and James Bridger. The Bridger marker is on the right.

Photographed By Michael W. Kruse, July 28, 2015

4. James Bridger Marker

View as you approach Pioneer Park from the south.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2015, by Michael W. Kruse of Kansas City, Missouri. This page has been viewed 708 times since then and 79 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 17, 2015, by Michael W. Kruse of Kansas City, Missouri. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.