Old Westport in Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Albert G. Boone Store
(Main Marker)
Originally used as an outfitting store for wagon trains, this building was completed in 1850 by Indian traders George and William Ewing and was sold in 1854 to Albert Gallatin Boone for $7,000. Boone operated the store from 1854 to 1859.
Born in Kentucky in 1806, Boone was a mountain man, trader, and grandson of the famous Daniel Boone. In 1838, he received a license to trade with the Delaware, Kansa, Shawnee and Kickapoo tribes. His ability to speak fluent French, Spanish and all of the major Indian languages led later to his serving as Indian agent and as commissioner to negotiate with the Sioux after the defeat of Lt. Col. George A. Custer at Little Big Horn.
In 1904 the Wiedenmann family bought the building and opened a grocery store. In 1947 Randal Kelly, an immigrant from Ireland, leased the building to open Kelly's Westport Inn. In 1995 the Kelly family purchased the building.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Albert G. Boone Store is one of the oldest commercial brick buildings in Kansas City and played an important role in the Western trade and migration on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails on which Westport was strategically located.
(Upper Left Marker)
Randall Kelly (1905-1988) hailed from County Clare, Ireland and dreamed of running "an honest workingman's pub." For 41 years his friendliness, generosity and Irish wit were the heart of this legendary landmark known throughout Kansas City as "Kelly's." His Charities were countless, his honors, many. To his family, friends and community, he has left a legacy of laughter and love which we commemorate today, April 16, 1989.
(Lower Left Marker)
which he regarded as "froth on a glass of beer" but
he deeply loved what he called the "solid underneath layer"
of common folk and his fellow man.
"Bourbon and branch" was his drink.
Today April 15, 1984, at the Kelly's Westport Inn, we
commemorate the great American painter, Tom Benton,
on his 95th Birthday.
Thomas Hart Benton Associates
Erected 1999 by Native Sons of Greater Kansas City and the Westport Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Kansas City - Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City, the Oregon Trail, and the Santa Fe Trail series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is April 16, 1960.
Location. 39° 3.178′ N, 94° 35.497′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County. It is in Old Westport. Marker is at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Westport Road on Pennsylvania Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 Westport Road, 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. Original Site of Harris House (a few steps from this marker); Action Before Westport (a few steps from this marker); The French and the Santa Fe Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); McCoy's Trading Post (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 400 feet away); James Bridger (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.
More about this marker. These markers are on the northwest corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Westport Road on the Pennsylvania Avenue side. Parking can be at a premium on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also see . . .
1. Westport Kansas City. This is a link to the history of the area around historic Westport. (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
2. Santa Fe Historic Trail. Take a journey between western Missouri and Santa Fe on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail - link provided by the National Park Service. (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
3. Legends of America. History, Information, Maps, etc., of the Santa Fe Trail. (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
4. Map of Oregon Trail. (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
5. Mileposts Along the Oregon Trail. (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
6. Oregon National Historical Trail. This is the Official link from the National Park Service. (Submitted on July 18, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas.)
Additional keywords. Santa Fe Trail Oregon Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on February 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. This page has been viewed 2,986 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 18, 2009, by Thomas Onions of Olathe, Kansas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.