The Town of Kansas
The Birth of an Idea

History | Birth of an Idea | Press Notes
Port Authority's Website

April 2, 1991

Ms. Lisa L. Briscoe
Administrator
Landmark Commission
City of Kansas City, Missouri
26th Floor, City Hall
Kansas City, Missouri 64106

Dear Ms. Briscoe:

The preservation and proper identification of the historica area on the riverfront located at the north end of Main Street should have the highest priority for your department and the City of Kansas City, Missouri. The origins of the city began on this sitte in 1838, and to date nothing has been done to preserve and to properly identify this historical area.

Mr. Orvis Fitts of the Westport Historical Society, Mr. George Hicks and myself of the Native Sons of Kansas City have recently had two meetings with Mr. Dale Schulte of The River Market Venture. This organization is handling the preservation of the City Market area, and we understand, will also be developing the historic area of the waterfront. Mr. Schulte has fully supported our proposal regarding the preservation and identification of this historic site.

Until recently, much of the foundations of the original buildings were still in evidence at this location. Unfortunately, some of these foundations were bulldozed into oblivion. However, there are still some foundation remnants remaining. We have been informed that it is the property of the Union Pacific Railroad, and it was their action that caused the old foundations to be removed, inadvertently, we believe.

We propose that this area be renovated and landscaped as a mini park with a pavilion and a narrative historical marker. We also propose that this Waterfront area be designated as "Westport Landing," by which name it was known when the early steamboats docked here, as well as the town of "Kansas," which was Kansas City's first designation in May 1838.

I shall be calling you at an early date to request a day and time to meet with you to further discuss our proposal. We would also like to personally escort you on a brief tour of this most significant historic site.

Sincerely,
Roy C. Ranck, Jr.
President, Native Sons of Kansas City