Kansas City, Missouri -- not to be confused with the city with the same name in Kansas -- is on the Mississippi River in western Missouri. It is currently the largest city in Missouri, and is adjacent to neighboring Kansas City of the state of Kansas.
Economy:
Kansas City's economy is composed of its commerce, industry, and cultural destinations, and its vibrance has helped attracted countless newcomers, keeping Kansas City movers busy. Cattle were once the largest product in the city, although it largely disappeared in the 20th century. Major products of the city include: meat, dairy, automotives, chemicals, paper, and various machine equipment.
History:
Kansas City was believed to be inhabited by settlers as early as 1831. After various religion groups occupied the land, it was incorporated as the City of Kansas in 1853. The name was changed to Kansas City in 1889. Telegraph was brought into the city in 1858 and railroad in 1864. Kansas City was and continues to be one of the largest railroad centers in the country. The main station in the city is Union Station. During the 19th century, cattle were a large part of the economy. The Country Club Plaza is a shopping district built in 1922 that features numerous stores and greatly enhanced the city's retail revenue. From 1915 to 1940, Tom Pendergast ran a political machine that controlled the city of Kansas City. Currently, Kansas City is undergoing a redevelopment effort to restore many residential and business properties in the Kansas City area.
Tourism:
Kansas City International Airport is located four miles outside of Kansas City. Major sports teams include the football Chiefs and baseball Royals, among several other smaller collegiate and professional teams. The city has a very large parks system which is known for its great trees. Swope Park, encompassing over 1,000 acres, is the city's largest park. The Country Club Plaza features numerous retail stores with several select high-end outlets. Additional attractions include the American Jazz Museum, the Crown Center, the Kansas City Museum, and the Kansas City Zoo.