About Kansas City, MO
Kansas City, MO (KC) is one of the most beautiful cities of the Midwest--the Paris of the Plains--with a history of artistic achievement and unique cuisine. Founded in 1838, the City is situated at the junction of where the Missouri and Kansas rivers meet and almost dead center in the middle of the U.S.
In the 1870s, when the railroads brought the boom in meatpacking that was responsible for the development of the huge stockyards, KC became a nexus for commerce, industry, finance and power. With vast wealth pouring into the City, political bosses reigned. Boss Tom Pendergast, an outrageous figure who KC both feared and applauded, was largely responsible for the flourishing music scene from the mid-20s onward. Because of Pendergast’s influence, Kansas City's clubs continued to sell alcohol during Prohibition. Jazz clubs, in particular, were recognized for their exemplary musicians and new Kansas City jazz style. As in Chicago and New Orleans, speakeasies, brothels, and gambling dens went hand in hand with superlative jazz--and, to a lesser extent, blues--spawning the careers of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. And, in the Fifties, Kansas City native Charlie Parker took KC by storm.
Kansas City has many unique neighborhoods where one can browse through eclectic and interesting shops. Families are particularly attracted to the City because of its child-friendly events and venues. Science City features hands-on exhibits including a mock television studio where kids can deliver a weather forecast, while the Zoo houses impressive African and Australian exhibits plus an IMAX Theater. The City's museums cover everything from the history of jazz music to a celebration of African American baseball players.
Kansas City is also the home of distinguished universities and a number of significant festivals. This makes Kansas City a very youthful city, but one with an incredible historic and artistic heritage.
Kansas City is renowned for its fountains, boulevards, Art Deco and Mediterranean-style buildings. KC's resurgent jazz scene, fine restaurants, professional football and baseball teams, and theme parks help make the City a popular short-break destination. Once a trading post for pioneers heading to the Western United States, today Kansas City is a burgeoning metropolis with activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
In the 1870s, when the railroads brought the boom in meatpacking that was responsible for the development of the huge stockyards, KC became a nexus for commerce, industry, finance and power. With vast wealth pouring into the City, political bosses reigned. Boss Tom Pendergast, an outrageous figure who KC both feared and applauded, was largely responsible for the flourishing music scene from the mid-20s onward. Because of Pendergast’s influence, Kansas City's clubs continued to sell alcohol during Prohibition. Jazz clubs, in particular, were recognized for their exemplary musicians and new Kansas City jazz style. As in Chicago and New Orleans, speakeasies, brothels, and gambling dens went hand in hand with superlative jazz--and, to a lesser extent, blues--spawning the careers of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. And, in the Fifties, Kansas City native Charlie Parker took KC by storm.
Kansas City has many unique neighborhoods where one can browse through eclectic and interesting shops. Families are particularly attracted to the City because of its child-friendly events and venues. Science City features hands-on exhibits including a mock television studio where kids can deliver a weather forecast, while the Zoo houses impressive African and Australian exhibits plus an IMAX Theater. The City's museums cover everything from the history of jazz music to a celebration of African American baseball players.
Kansas City is also the home of distinguished universities and a number of significant festivals. This makes Kansas City a very youthful city, but one with an incredible historic and artistic heritage.
Kansas City is renowned for its fountains, boulevards, Art Deco and Mediterranean-style buildings. KC's resurgent jazz scene, fine restaurants, professional football and baseball teams, and theme parks help make the City a popular short-break destination. Once a trading post for pioneers heading to the Western United States, today Kansas City is a burgeoning metropolis with activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
